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“ Dr. Faber now addressed the burgomaster.” 
True to the End. 


Page 37 



TRUE TO THE END 


A STORY OF THE SWISS REFORMATION 



HENRY S. BURRAGE, D. D. 

Author of “A History of the Anabaptists of Switzerland f ^‘Baptist Hymn 
Writers and their Hymns,” ‘*A History of the Baptists 
hi New England f etc. 




PHILADELPHIA 

AMERICAN BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETY 
1420 Chestnut Street 

-nS N 



Copyright 1895 by the 

American Baptist Publication Society 


PREFACE 


The aim of the author in the following pages is to 
call attention to the beginnings of the great Anabaptist 
movement in Europe in the sixteenth century. These 
beginnings are to be found in Switzerland in connec- 
tion with Zwingli’s reformatory work. The characters 
introduced are for the most part prominent actors in 
the Swiss Reformation, and I have endeavored to be 
faithful to the facts of history as far as they are con- 
cerned ; while in the case of those who are not historic 
characters the spirit of the movement, I believe, is cor- 
rectly represented. It is my hope that the reading of 
these pages will awaken a wider interest in the history 
of the noble men and women who were the pioneers in 
the great conflict for civil and religious liberty. 

Henry S. Burrage. 



CONTENTS 


CHAPTER I 

A Memorable Day, . . . o . 7 

CHAPTER n 

At the Castle, 16 

CHAPTER HI 

A Secret Disclosed, 25 

CHAPTER IV 

The First Discussion at Zurich, 34 

CHAPTER V 

ZwiNGLi’s Principle Applied, .45 

CHAPTER VI 

The Breach Widened, 58 

CHAPTER Vn 

Further Developments, 67 

CHAPTER Yin 

Severer Measures, 79 

CHAPTER IX 

An Added Step Forward, 88 

CHAPTER X 

At St. Gall, 100 

5 


6 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER XI 

At Waldshut, Ill 

CHAPTER XII 

Facing Duty, 122 

CHAPTER XIII 

With Persecution, 134 

CHAPTER XIV 

Tyranny and Torture Triumphant, 146 

CHAPTER XV 

An Open Door, 156 

CHAPTER XVI 

Darkening Shadows, 165 

CHAPTER XVII 

On the Heights, . 174 

CHAPTER XVIII 

Cast Down but not Destroyed, 185 


TRUE TO THE END 


CHAPTER I 


A MEMORABLE DAY 


N eager, excited throng was pressing into the great 



cathedral at Zurich. It was January 2, 1519. 
A stalwart peasant was watching the crowd, as men 
and women, old and young, pushed past him in their 
haste to enter the place of worship. 

Well, well,’^ he said aloud to himself, as he looked 
upon the hurrying throng ; it was not always so. 
Something must have liappened. What can it be ? ’’ 
and turning to one of the crowd he said, Pray, sir, 
what is the meaning of all this stir to-day ? ” 

“ Why, good fellow,’’ was the reply, Zwingli is 
here, and preaches this morning in the cathedral.” 

It was Zwingli’s first Sunday in Zurich. He had 
come from Einsiedeln, where he had served as parish 
priest with such distinction that his fame as a preacher 
had been widely extended; and this doubtless had 
secured his election as preacher at the cathedral. But 
Zwingli’s apprehension of divine truth had already 
influenced his ministry, and those who knew him best 


8 


TRUE TO THE END 


rejoiced in the larger opportunity Zurich afforded for 
reformatory work. On the previous day, his thirty- 
fifth birthday, Zwingli had made an announcement in 
the cathedral pulpit that had been carried into every 
home in the place. It is to Christ that I desire to 
lead you,^^ he said ; to Christ, the true source of sal- 
vation. His divine word is the only food that I wish 
set before your hearts and souls. And then he told 
the people that on the morrow, the first Sunday of the 
year, he would commence an exposition of the Gospel 
of Matthew. 

It was this announcement that brought the people of 
Zurich together in such large numbers. After the in- 
troductory services, standing in the pulpit, Zwingli 
opened the long-neglected Scriptures and read the first 
chapter of Matthew’s Gospel. Closing the book, he 
said : We have in this Gospel, dear friends, a life of 

Christ which has too long been hidden from the people. 
I purpose to preach upon the whole Gospel, chapter by 
chapter, sounding its depths, comparing one passage 
with another, seeking for wisdom by constant and 
earnest prayer. It is to God’s glory, in the salvation 
of souls, and in their edification in the true faith, that 
I shall consecrate my ministry here.” Then calling 
attention to the words he had just read concerning 
Christ — he shall save his people from their sins ” — 
he presented Jesus as the Saviour of men, the Lamb 
slain from the foundation of the world. 

I know,” he added, that there are those who teach 


A MEMORABLE DAY 


9 


otherwise. Do not listen to them. Jesus Christ, the 
Son of God, has said, ^ Come unto me, all ye that labor 
and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’ Is it 
not, then, most presumptuous folly and senseless te- 
merity to declare, on the contrary, ^ Buy letters of indul- 
gence, hasten to Rome, give to the monks, sacrifice to the 
priests, and if thou doest these things I absolve thee 
from thy sins ’ ? Jesus Christ is the only oblation, the 
only sacrifice, the only way ! ” 

Zwingli’s burning words stirred the hearts of his 
hearers to their lowest depths. They were convinced 
that these were the words of truth and soberness, and 
as the vast throng, at the close of the service, passed out 
through the doors of the great cathedral, from many 
lips came the exclamation, I never heard such words 
before ! ” 

Among those who had listened to Zwingli’s first ser- 
mon at Zurich was William Hermann, the second 
son of Baron Hermann (the older son, Otto, serving 
in the imperial army) ; he was a student in the university 
at Basel, and had recently returned to his home, an old 
castle in the neighborhood of Zurich, in order to spend 
the Christmas holidays. Attractive in his personal 
appearance, he possessed also intellectual gifts that be- 
tokened for him a future of usefulness and honor in 
any walk of life he might choose. Hitherto he had 
manifested little interest in matters pertaining to reli- 
gion, and with many other young men of his time he had 
yielded to the influence of the era introduced by the re- 


10 


TRUE TO THE END 


vival of classical learning in Italy. Tidings that 
Zwingli was to preach that day had reached him in his 
father’s castle, and out of curiosity to hear the man whose 
name was on all lips, he rode into Zurich that morning, 
and joining the crowd, had made his way into the cathe- 
dral. 

When Zwingli rose to speak young Hermann was 
impressed by the personality of the preacher. Manli- 
ness and sincerity were stamped upon his countenance. 
But personal attractions were soon forgotten as, in plain 
yet glowing words, Zwingli spoke of the Bible as the 
divine repository of revealed truth, and extolled the in- 
finite mercy of God in thus making known his purposes 
of grace to men. At first the young man listened with 
interest, charmed by the pleasing manner in which 
Zwingli presented his burning thoughts, and then he 
found himself under the spell of the thoughts them- 
selves. The vision of a nobler life than that which he 
was now living rose up before him, and yielding to the 
hallowed influences of the hour, new and better hopes 
awakening in his breast, he went out from the preacher’s 
presence profoundly stirred by the words he had heard. 

Not far away was the delightful residence of 
Froschauer, the well-known book publisher of Zurich ; 
and after a little delay occasioned by meeting old- 
time friends, young Hermann made his way thither. 
Froschauer’s two sons, William and August, were his 
fellow-students at Basel, and with Bertha, the only 
daughter, they had been his most intimate com- 


A MEMORABLE DAY 


11 


panions for many years. It was a generous welcome 
that he received from the various members of the fam- 
ily group as he was ushered into the reception room. 
They too had heard Zwingli preach. 

Were you at the cathedral this morning ? asked 
William Froschauer. 

Yes/’ replied his friend. Wonderful things I 
had heard concerning Zwingli, but evidently the half 
has not been told. That I call preaching.” 

And rightly,” added Froschauer. Felix Frey, 
who presided at the meeting of the canons of the 
cathedral immediately after Zwingli’s arrival here, 
makes an interesting statement concerning what oc- 
curred on that occasion. One of the canons, addressing 
Zwingli, said : ‘We expect that you will make every 
exertion to collect the revenues of the chapter, without 
overlooking the least ; that you will exhort the faith- 
ful, both from the pulpit and in the confessional, to 
pay all tithes and dues, and thus to show by their 
offerings their affection to the church ; and that you 
will be diligent in increasing the income from the sick, 
from masses, and in general from every ecclesiastical 
ordinance. As for the preaching and the care of the 
flock, these are the duties of the chaplain.’ 

“ Zwingli, in his reply, made no reference to the work 
tlius outlined for him, but firmly announced his pur- 
pose of commencing at once a series of expositions of 
Matthew’s Gospel. Some of the canons were horrified. 
‘Such preaching is an innovation,’ they said; ‘one 


12 


TRUE TO THE END 


innovation will lead to another, and where shall we 
stop?^ Zwingli, however, insisted that scriptural 
exposition was not an innovation. ^ Chrysostom,’ he 
said, ^in his homilies expounded the Gospel of Mat- 
thew in this way, and Augustine, the Gospel of John.’ 
His opponents were silenced but not convinced.” 

Did Zwingli in any way yield ? ” inquired Her- 
mann. 

^^No,” replied Froschauer, ‘^he was as immovable 
as a rock.- Hoffman, one of the canons, afterward 
wrote to the provost, urging him to forbid Zwingli to 
disturb the faith of the people by his new methods. 
The provost at once summoned Zwingli to appear be- 
fore him, and in the interview he urged him to 
change his course. But Zwingli refused. He said 
that his duty was clear and that he purposed to con- 
tinue the work he had commenced at Einsiedeln.” 

^^He is evidently as brave as he is thoughtful,” 
added young Hermann. ^^What a scene that must 
have been ! ” 

^^Tell him about Samson,” said Frau Froschauer. 

Do you not remember,” said Froschauer, that in 
his sermon this morning, Zwingli, when speaking of 
Christ as the Saviour from sin, said there are those 
who teach otherwise ? His reference was to Samson, a 
Franciscan monk, who by the way of the St. Gothard 
Pass entered Switzerland not long ago, from Italy, em- 
powered by the pope to sell indulgences within the 
limits of the Swiss cantons. He commenced his sale 


A MEMORABLE DAY 


13 


in Uri, and after a brief halt entered Schwytz. ^ I can 
pardon all sins/ he said. ‘ Heaven and hell are sub- 
ject to my power ; and I sell the merits of Christ to 
any who will purchase them by buying an indulgence 
for ready money.’ Zwingli denounced this traffic with 
fiery energy. His warning words compelled Samson 
to move on. Then he appeared in Zug. ‘ Let those 
come first who have gold/ exclaimed one of Samson’s 
attendants, as the poor people of the canton pressed 
forward to obtain the desired boon ; ‘ the rest will re- 
ceive attention afterward.’ As added tidings came to 
Zwingli concerning Samson’s work, his soul was even 
more deeply stirred within him, and now,” said 
Froschauer, ^^one of his Einsiedeln friends writes to 
me, ^ Samson is making his way toward Zurich, but 
Zwingli will prove more than a match for the wily 
Italian, who is determined to plunder our poor peo- 
ple.’ ” 

What ! will Zwingli defy the pope ? ” asked Wil- 
liam Hermann. 

^^This Luther has already done,” answered Frosch- 
auer, ^^and Zwingli is as full of personal courage as 
the Wittenberg monk himself.” 

Doubtless,” replied the young man ; but remem- 
ber that the end of Luther’s conflict with Rome is not 
yet. However, I wish well both to Luther and Zwingli.” 

Dinner was now announced. At the table Frosch- 
auer asked young Hermann what news he brought from 
the castle. 


14 


TRUE TO THE END 


I wish I could say good news,” he replied ; but 
my father’s health has not improved as we had ex- 
pected. You know how weak the fever left him in 
the autumn, and now his physicians tell us there are 
other unfavorable symptoms which refuse to yield to 
their treatment.” 

The same report had reached me through others,” 
said Froschauer ; but my wish had inspired the hope 
that you might be the bearer of better tidings. Tell 
your father we miss not only his presence but his coun- 
sels in these stirring times.” 

‘^And give your mother my love,” added Frau 
Froschauer. We have not seen her for many a day. 
Your father’s illness of course has kept her at the castle. 
Yet it will not be long, I trust, before the sunshine of 
her face will brighten our Zurich home once more.” 

‘^You are very kind,” replied he. ^^Such words 
make us all your debtors.” 

When the young man was leaving the house, later 
in the afternoon, Bertha followed him to the door. 

I wanted to tell you,” she said, when they were 
alone, how pleased I was to see you at the cathedral 
this morning. I was wont to see you there when we 
were younger than we are now, but in recent years, 
until to-day, I have looked for you in vain.” 

In vain ? ” asked Hermann. It never occurred 
to me that my absence was noticed by any one ; cer- 
tainly not by you.” 

My words are not words of condemnation,” added 


A MEMORABLE DAY 


15 


Bertha. I admit that hitherto there has been little 
that was helpful in the services or in those who con- 
ducted them. But, as you must know, a new era is 
dawning in religious as well as in classical learning, 
and I could not withhold the expression of my joy in 
the thought that you will have a prominent part in 
it,’’ and the flush in her face as she spoke told how 
deeply she was moved. 

You do me too much honor,” replied William ; 
but that you think of me in connection with my fu- 
ture, whatever it may be, is something I had not 
even supposed possible.” 

For a moment he pressed her hand, and then, 
stirred with unwonted thoughts, he passed out into the 
street, where eager groups, here and there, were discuss- 
ing the events of the day, and then rode out of Zurich 
homeward. 


CHAPTER II 


AT THE CASTLE 

I T was growing dark as young Hermann entered the 
castle enclosure. The castle itself was an old feu- 
dal dwelling, erected in times when security was the first 
consideration. It was built of stone, was somewhat 
irregular in shape, and was surrounded by a massive 
wall. Crowning a rocky height, it was a prominent 
feature of the landscape of which it formed a part. In 
summer time nothing could be more delightful than 
the outlook from the castle ; and even in winter, when 
the fields as well as the mountains were covered with 
snow, it was a magnificent view that here met the eye 
of the beholder as he looked out over a wide extent of 
country toward the south and west to the mountain- 
peaked horizon beyond. In earlier years the castle had 
been the summer residence of the Hermanns, but on 
account of financial reverses the present baron had been 
obliged to dispose of his ancestral estate in southern 
Germany, and so his summer residence became his 
home for the round year. 

Handing the bridle of his horse to a servant, Wil- 
liam bounded up the stone steps that led to the side 
entrance of the castle. His mother met him in the 
hall. Time evidently had dealt kindly with her, and 
16 


AT THE CASTLE 


17 


there was in her fair face not only an indication of 
more than ordinary intelligence, but also a winsomeness 
that could not but awaken the conviction that to know 
her was to love her. 

Why so late, my boy ? she asked. Your 
father and I have been exercising the grace of patience 
for a wearisome hour or more.” Without waiting for 
an answer she took William’s hand and led the way to 
the second floor, adding other questions which con- 
cerned her more now that he was at her side. As 
they entered the chamber where the baron was reclin- 
ing upon a couch, propped up by many pillows, the 
sick man opened his eyes, and a smile played upon his 
wan features as he saw his son approaching the bed- 
side. 

We have been a little impatient in our waiting for 
you,” said the baron, in feeble tones. You must know 
that now our only way of communication with the out- 
side world is through you. What news do you bring 
from Zurich ? ” 

Pardon my delay,” answered the son. After 
leaving the cathedral I called on the Froschauers, and 
they insisted that I should stay to dinner.” 

^^And Bertha doubtless joined in the invitation,” 
added the baroness, evidently not in the least displeased 
with William’s excuse. 

William made no reply with words, but the glance 
he gave his mother was a confession he had not hith- 
erto made. 

B 


18 


TRUE TO THE END 


But what about Zwingli ? asked the baron. 

There was a great crowd in the cathedral, I sup- 
pose.’^ 

Yes/’ replied William. It seemed as if all 
Zurich had assembled to hear what the new preacher 
had to say. I was obliged to stand through the entire 
service, and yet I had no thought of weariness. Zwin- 
gli’s manner is exceedingly attractive, but it is not his 
manner, pleasing as it is, that enlists your attention. 
The attractive power is rather in what he says. As a 
preacher he evidently believes he has a message that 
men ought to hear, and he presses it upon them with 
all earnestness and faithfulness.” 

Tell us what he said,” said the baron ; and Wil- 
liam gave an extended outline of Zwingli’s sermon, re- 
calling especially those passages that had made such a 
profound impression upon his own mind and heart. 

I did not know before,” he added, that the Bible 
is such a remarkable book. Zwingli commended its 
study as of the utmost importance. ^ I hope,’ he said, 
‘that the day will soon come when every one who 
hears me, yes, every one in our beloved fatherland, will 
own a copy of God’s word faithfully translated.’ And 
it was on this account that I went to Froschauer’s after 
the service. I wanted to get a copy of the New Testa- 
ment. Froschauer tells me there is an edition of the 
New Testament in Greek published by Erasmus, at 
Basel. He says he will order a copy for me, and it 
will be here in a few days.” 


AT THE CASTLE 


19 


It is a pleasure for me to know that you are 
interested in these matters/’ said the baron. ^‘You 
are exceedingly fortunate in entering upon manhood at 
such a time. At your period of life I found myself 
alienated from Christianity because of the church itself. 
Many of its clergy I knew were corrupt in heart and 
life, and I had only contempt for their insincerity and 
duplicity ; and so in all the years that have followed I 
have stood aloof from the church, unwilling to yield a 
pretended obedience to its claims. Perhaps even for 
me as well as for you, William, a better day is 
dawning.” 

As I was leaving the cathedral,” said William, 
^^a gentleman not far away was engaged in animated 
conversation with a group of gentlemen accompanying 
him, and I heard him say, ^ Glory to God, this man is 
a preacher of truth. He will be our Moses to lead us 
forth from this Egyptian darkness.’ I turned and 
saw that the speaker was Henry Peuschlin, State 
treasurer.” 

^^A noble man,” said the baron. ^‘He is un- 
questionably right, and I am sorry that I myself can- 
not join with him and others in giving Zwingli the 
support he needs.” 

A day or two later, William, while sitting at his 
father’s bedside, said, Perhaps you would like to have 
an interview with Zwingli ; I am sure he would gladly 
respond to an invitation to call.” 

I shall never see him unless he comes to me,” 


20 


TRUE TO THE END 


said the sick man, and a shadow flitted across the 
baron’s face. If you can make the arrangement I 
shall be gratified. I am sure I need the helping hand 
of just such a guide at this stage of my pilgrimage.” 

That afternoon William rode into Zurich, and found 
Zwingli in his room at the Einsiedeln hotel. Zwingli 
received him most cordially, and when the young man 
made known his father’s condition and request he at 
once said, Yes, I will see the baron to-morrow. The 
man who wishes to see me is the man I wish to see.” 

“ I will call for you at eleven o’clock to-morrow 
forenoon if you can leave at that hour,” said Her- 
mann. My mother wishes you to be at the midday 
meal at the castle.” 

Zwingli assented to the arrangement, and at the ap- 
pointed hour young Hermann was at the door of the 
Einsiedeln hotel. On the way to the castle many 
things concerning his past and present Zwingli drew 
from his young companion. His frank, manly bear- 
ing interested the Reformer, and when at length the 
young man opened to him his heart, and thanked him 
for the helpful words he had spoken in the cathedral 
on Sunday, Zwingli grasped him warmly by the hand. 

You have helped me,” he said. When I came 
to Zurich it was with the prayer that I might have in- 
fluence with young men, especially those whom the 
church hitherto has not attracted to its services ; and I 
am glad to know that the heart of even one already 
responds to my v/ords. Let me in private commend 


AT THE CASTLE 


21 


to you the Scriptures, as I did in public on Sunday. 
Study God’s word. It will give you new views of life 
and duty and prove a counsellor whose words you may 
wisely follow.” 

At the castle, Zwingli was received by the baroness. 
As she took his hand she said, I cannot find words to 
express my gratitude for your kindness in coming to us 
at this time. The Lord reward you.” 

I have my reward already,” said Zwingli. Your 
son has made the ride hither a most delightful one.” 

There were added words in the reception room. 
Soon a servant appeared and the baroness, rising, said 
to Zwingli : You need some refreshment after your 
ride in the frosty air of this winter’s day ; then the 
baron will be ready to receive you.” And she led the 
way to the dining hall. 

At the table, Zwingli related many interesting in- 
cidents with reference to the beginnings of his work 
in Zurich. The cordiality of his reception by the peo- 
ple, he said, was most gratifying. Some of the canons 
of the cathedral, indeed, still expressed their disapproval 
of his plans, but with the great body of the people on 
his side, he did not regard the issue as a doubtful one. 

The interview between Zwingli and the baron that 
followed was one of very great interest. The sick 
man, reclining upon his couch, received his visitor with 
much open-heartedness. I am afraid,” he said, that 
I have asked too much of you in these early days of 
your work in Zurich.” 


22 


TRUE TO THE END 


Oh, no/’ replied Zwingli. I came to Zurich for 
service, and there is no call I shall more delight to 
answer than that which comes from the chamber of the 
sick.” 

No one needs your help more than I,” continued 
the baron. Christianity, as expounded by priests and 
monks, had become to me a worn-out creed, and I 
thought to die as I had lived. But from what William 
has told me concerning your sermon on Sunday, I have 
a desire to have from your own lips an answer to the 
question, ‘ What shall I do to be saved ? ’ ” 

^‘That very question,” said Zwingli, ‘‘ was once ad- 
dressed to the Apostle Paul, and I know of no better 
answer than that given by him, ‘ Believe on the Lord 
Jesus Christ.’ The Apostle Peter also says, we are 
^ not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and 
gold, . . but with the precious blood of Christ.’ It is 
Christ that I preach ; Christ in us the hope of glory ; 
Christ, very man and very God, has purchased for us 
an everlasting redemption. For since it was the eternal 
God who died for us, his passion is therefore an eternal 
sacrifice. It satisfies divine justice for ever in behalf 
of all who rely upon it with firm and unshaken faith.” 

As he uttered these words, Zwingli opened his Greek 
Testament, which he had taken from his pocket, and 
turning to the baron he said, ‘‘ May I read you a few 
passages from the Scriptures ? ” 

The baron nodded his assent, and Zwingli read from 
the third chapter of John’s Gospel ; 


AT THE CASTLE 


23 


“ ^ As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness^ 
so must the Son of man be lifted up, that every one 
who believes on him may have eternal life. For God 
so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, 
that every one who believes on him should not perish, 
but have eternal life.^ 

Closing the book, Zwingli in simple, earnest words, 
unfolded the great doctrine of salvation by faith in 
Jesus Christ. Occasionally he turned to other pas- 
sages in the. New Testament, concerning the great truth 
he was endeavoring to impress. 

As Zwingli at length paused, Wonderful words 
exclaimed the baron ; I see it all.’^ 

But do you see it in your heart ? added Zwingli. 

“ I see that I am a sinner,^^ the baron replied. I 
have long known that. I also see that Christ is a 
Saviour.’^ 

But is he your Saviour ? ’’ asked Zwingli. God 
gave his only begotten Son, that every one that be- 
lieves on him should not perish, but have eternal life. 
Believest thou ? 

The baron thoughtfully folded his hands, and recall- 
ing some words of Scripture that Zwingli had read 
only a few moments before, he replied, Lord, I be- 
lieve ; help thou mine unbelief’’ 

Let us pray,” said Zwingli, and falling upon his 
knees at the bedside of the baron he poured out his 
soul in gratitude to God for salvation through a cruci- 
fied Saviour. And then, in words of wonderful tender- 


24 


TRUE TO THE END 


ness lie made his plea for the sin-confessing soul 
seeking pardon by the blood of Christ. Give him,” 
he said, the consciousness of thine own presence, thou 
Lamb of God that takest away the sin of the world ; 
and may he know, here and now, in his own heart that 
the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin.” 

As Zwingli rose from his knees, the baron extended 
his hand and as Zwingli clasped it the words, God 
bless you,” fell from the sick man’s lips. 

Good-bye,” said Zwingli. I must leave you now. 
There is an old motto, teneo et teneor — I both hold 
and am held. The hand of infinite love is extended to 
you. You have grasped it. Never relinquish your 
hold. Do not forget what Peter says in his first 
epistle, that we are kept by the power of God through 
faith unto salvation.” 

As Zwingli, with the young Hermann, was about 
to leave the castle on his return to Zurich, the baroness 
followed him to the door. You brought much with 
you,” she said to the Reformer. I trust you will 
take much with you on your return. As my husband 
said, God bless you ! ” 


CHAPTER III 


A SECRET DISCLOSED 



rPHE baron continued to fail in health. Even the 


A- milder air of spring brought no healing to the 
weary sufferer. His couch occasionally was moved 
nearer to the large window in order that he might look 
out upon the magnificent prospect in which he had 
taken so much delight in earlier years. The scene 
stirred within him the feelings of other days. 

It is beautiful, Mary,’’ he said to his wife one 
morning, as his eyes fell upon the fair landscape. 

The fields, the hills, the mountains, I love as I have 
always loved them ; yet there are fairer scenes than 
this.” And he quoted the lines of the old Latin hymn ; 


Jerusalem the golden, 

With milk and honey blest, etc., 


remarking : Zwingli read that hymn to me when he 
was here a few days ago. He said it was written by 
Bernard of Clugny, and forms a part of a poem con- 
taining about three thousand lines, entitled ^ De Con- 
tanptu MundV The greater part of the poem is a 
stinging satire on the fearful corruptions of the time in 
which the poet lived ; but as a contrast to the wretched- 


26 


TRUE TO THE END 


ness and sinfulness of earth, the poem opens with 
an enrapturing description of the peace and glory of 
heaven/^ 

The baron paused a moment, and then he thought- 
fully added, How much I owe to Zwingli ! ’’ As he 
looked up shortly after, he saw there were tears in the 
eyes of the baroness. 

Forgive me, Mary,’^ he said. I was thinking 
only of myself. And yet is there not comfort here for 
you also ? The separation will not be long. We shall 
meet again in that Jerusalem the golden.’’ 

I know it,” said the baroness; ^^and I rejoice in 
the blessed hope that animates you. I daily thank 
God for eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
And yet the thought of separation awakens feelings I 
cannot suppress.” 

‘‘ Ho not try to suppress them,” said the baron. 
‘‘You will only burden your heart with a weary 
weight. There is an injunction of the psalmist that in 
these last days I have found exceedingly helpful : 
‘ Cast thy burden upon the Lord and he shall sustain 
thee,’ or, if it is God’s will that we shall carry the bur- 
den, he will give us needed strength, even as he says, 
‘ my grace is sufficient for you.’ ” 

Then were added words which neither hitherto had 
ventured to speak. At length the baroness arose, and 
kissing the thin hand she was holding, she said, “ You 
must rest now. I am afraid we have talked too 
long.” 


A SECRET DISCLOSED 


27 


No, not too long,’^ replied the baron. We have 
done well thus to open our hearts to each other. 

The bed was now drawn back from the window, 
and the sick man was left awhile alone. A few days 
more and the end came. All the members of the 
family were present at the final leave-taking. There 
were words of farewell for each, and then the baron, 
folding his thin hands upon his breast, took up the 
triumphant words of the twenty-third Psalm, Yea, 
though I walk through the valley of the shadow of 
death, I will fear no evil : for thou art with me.’’ 

After a pause he repeated : Yes, thou art with me, 
thou art with me ! Blessed companionship ! ” These 
last words were spoken only in whispers. Then the 
lips were motionless, and all was still. It was that 
solemn moment in w^hich a soul passes from time into 
eternity. 

On the Sunday after the funeral, Zwingli, in a ser- 
mon on The Conquering Faith,” paid a noble tribute 
to the baron’s memory. During the past week,” he 
said, one has left us whose life was devoted to the 
public welfare. Even his long alienation from the 
church was because of his integrity and uprightness. 
The scandalous lives of the clergy and the false doc- 
trines they proclaimed, had repelled him from the 
sanctuary. He needed oidy to have the truth as it is 
in Jesus presented to him, to accept it with all readi- 
ness of heart : and so he became a witness to the fact 
that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation 


28 


TRUE TO THE END 


through faith. Such faith alone saves/’ said Zwingli, 
^^and such faith is the need of every man. I com- 
mend it to you again as God’s plan of redemption which 
he has made known to us in his holy word.” 

William’s brother, Otto, who on account of the 
death of his father had received an extended leave of 
absence from his army duties, remained at the castle 
until the following summer, when William completed 
his studies at the university in Basel. Then, return- 
ing to the army, Otto left to William the care of the 
estate, the revenues of which, under judicious manage- 
ment, were sufficient for the comfortable support of the 
family. 

William’s interest in Zwingli’s work deepened con- 
stantly. He was one of a circle of scholarly young 
men who were accustomed to meet in Zwingli’s study 
once a week for Scripture reading and instruction. 
Zwingli was never happier than when surrounded by- 
such a company. Each member of the circle had his 
Greek Testament before him, and from it, as a treasure 
house of divine wisdom, Zwingli derived lessons of 
wonderful interest. ^^The Bible alone,” he said, ^Gs 
the rule of faith. We need, therefore, to know what 
it teaches and honestly to follow its teachings.” 

The home of the Froschauers continued to have its 
attractions for young Hermann. In the summer 
of 1520, he was spending a few days with friends in 
Lucerne. While he was there, Bertha Froschauer, with 
her brothers, came to the place. The young man in- 








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True to the End. The Lake of Lucerne. Page 29 . 








A SECRET DISCLOSED 


29 


troduced them to his own acquaintances, and they were 
welcome guests in the various excursions which were 
planned for his entertainment. One of these excur- 
sions was by boat to the base of Pilatus, the Fractus 
lions of the ancients, a few miles from Lucerne. It 
was a delightful trip. Favoring winds filled their sails, 
beautiful colors were on the mountains at the farther 
end of the lake, while Pilatus, on their right, a mag- 
nificent peak, towered above them in solitary gran- 
deur. 

At length, coming into a little bay enclosed with 
fertile fields, the boat was made fast to a stone pier 
near a farmhouse. Not far away was a group of 
beautiful shade trees, and under these the various mem- 
bers of the party were soon gathered. It was one of 
those days in summer when nature is in her happiest 
moods. The air was delicious. On the hills around 
numerous herds of cattle were feeding, and the tinkling 
of the cow-bells could be heard on every hand. Then 
too, there was the music of thousands of insects, filling 
the air everywhere. The sky, deeply, darkly blue, 
was almost cloudless, and in the clear waters of the 
lake were reflected Alps on Alps. 

A few of the members of the party decided to make 
the ascent of Pilatus, the day was so favorable. 
Bertha and William were of the number. The first 
part of the way was through grassy fields and wooded 
slopes ; but the upper portion of the mountain con- 
sists of a series of rugged cliffs and precipices, and 


30 


TRUE TO THE END 


the path was rugged and toilsome. At length the 
summit was reached and a magnificent view to the 
east, south, and west from the mountains of Uri and 
the Lake of Lucerne to the vicinity of Freiburg and 
the Lake of Neufchatel rewarded their efforts. On 
the way down Bertha suggested to her companion that 
they should turn aside to search for Alpine flowers. 

I wish to take home some mementos of this de- 
lightful excursion,’^ she said. 

They were still not far from the summit of the 
mountain, and at length, in a sunny crevice of a rocky 
clifP, Hermann found some beautiful specimens of the 
edelweiss ; while lower down the mountain side the 
Alpine roses were abundant. 

I must arrange my floral treasures,’’ said Bertha, 
at length, as she seated herself upon a mossy bank by 
the side of the path. 

I did not tell you about the letter I received this 
morning,” said William. 

Did it bring good news ? ” quietly asked Bertha. 

You shall say ; Otto writes that an army posi- 
tion is open to me if I will accept it.” 

‘^But you won’t, will you?” eagerly exclaimed 
Bertha; and as she spoke her face rapidly changed 
color. 

Not if you say nay,” answered William. 

Bertha’s deep blue eyes looked up into William’s 
face. There was no need of added words. Her 
secret was disclosed. 


A SECRET DISCLOSED 


31 


William, who was standing in the path, bent over 
and kissed the still quivering lips, and then, as he 
seated himself beside Bertha and stroked the light 
wavy hair upon her forehead, he said : I have loved 
you since Zwingli’s first Sunday in Zurich. Do you 
remember that as I was leaving your father’s house 
that afternoon you expressed an interest in my future ? ” 
Oh, yes,” replied Bertha. How could I forget 
it ? I loved you then, and I was afraid I had be- 
trayed my secret. It was on this account that subse- 
quently I endeavored to avoid you. The secret is 
yours at last. But we must not linger here longer,” 
she added, ^^or we shall betray ourselves to others. 
Let the secret be kept by us until we return to Zurich.” 

^^As long as you will,” said William. ^^Mean- 
while it is enough for me to know that you love me.” 

And together they continued their way down the 
mountain, and when they joined the rest of the party, 
Bertha proudly exhibited the white blossoms of the 
edelweiss with which William’s search had been 
rewarded. 

Late in the afternoon the party set out on the re- 
turn to Lucerne. The wind was light, and darkness 
had settled down upon the quiet waters of the lake 
when the landing was reached. Lights gleamed here 
and there in the houses, but on the tops of the snow- 
capped mountains in the west the slowly fading light 
of day still lingered. 

This has been a memorable day,” said William, 


32 


TRUE TO THE END 


as the party separated ; yet only Bertha understood the 
full meaning of his words. Her heart was overflow- 
ing with a new and holy joy. William accompanied 
her to the house where she and her brothers were guests. 
As he was to leave Lucerne early in the morning, he 
would not see her again until she returned to Zurich. 
God give us both a safe journey homeward/^ he said, 
and added days as full of happiness as this has been ! 
On his return to the castle William found his 
mother in the library near an open window, from 
which there was a charming view of the lake of Zurich 
and the mountain ranges beyond. It was just at dusk 
as he entered the room. The baroness had closed the 
book she had been reading, and was apparently engaged 
in some pleasing reverie. After greeting his mother, 
William said : And now I have something to tell that 
will please you, I am sure. Bertha is mine ; and then 
he narrated the incidents connected with his interview 
with Bertha while descending Pilatus. 

^^This is no surprise to me,’’ said the baroness, 
when William had finished his story. ‘^A woman 
can read a woman’s heart better than a man, and I was 
confident that in some way the secret would sooner or later 
be revealed. You have made a wise choice, William. 
Bertha is fitted to adorn any station in life, and you 
may be sure that you will find in her a worthy com- 
panion as well as a helpmeet. You have my blessing.” 

Bertha’s confession was as pleasing to the Frosch- 
auers as was William’s to his mother. 


A SECRET DISCLOSED 


33 


The wedding occurred in the summer of the follow- 
ing year. It was a lovely day in June. The glassy 
waters of the lake were like molten silver in the bright 
sunshine, while the hills and mountains on either side 
were arrayed in their richest colors. From the castle 
a brilliant cavalcade, escorting the bridegroom, made its 
way into Zurich. In the cathedral were assembled the 
good people of the city of all classes, together with 
many guests from Basel, Constance, Lucerne, and other 
places. At length the wedding procession entered the 
church, the sweet tones of the organ voicing the gen- 
eral joy, while -little girls, scattering flowers in the 
aisles, loaded the air with the sweet fragrance. Zwingli 
conducted the service, and at its close, as the bridal 
pair were leaving the cathedral, the bells in the tower 
rang out their merriest peals. 

The home of the Froschauers was thronged at the 
reception that followed. The high officials in Church 
and State, members of the prominent families in the 
place, learned authors and well-known business men 
with their wives, were there with heartiest greetings. 
There was no young man in Zurich who had a brighter 
future than William Herniann, and certainly a lovelier 
bride than Bertha, Zurich had not known. 

The wedding journey took the young couple into 
Southern Germany among family kindred and friends, 
and on their return they took up their residence at 
the castle, the interests of the estate requiring young 
Hermann's presence and attention. 

c 


CHAPTER IV 


THE FIKST DISCUSSION AT ZURICH 
HE work of reform in Zurich proceeded slowly, 



-L but there was progress. Zwingli continued his 
exposition of the Scriptures, and his earnest, practical 
words were readily welcomed by willing hearers. Some 
of these, having adopted Zwingli’s principle to reject 
in doctrine and practice whatever was contrary to the 
word of God, — unlike the principle adopted by Luther, 
who would retain whatever was not forbidden by the 
word of God, — attempted to carry the principle into 
effect, and in this way soon came into conflict with the 
old church party, and especially with the monks. The 
members of the Zurich Council were not a little dis- 
turbed by' reports of these conflicts, and summoning sev- 
eral of the more prominent among Zwingli’s younger fol- 
lowers into their presence, they suggested that they should 
moderate their zeal and avoid collisions of this kind. 

But these conflicts continued, Zwingli making no 
effort to restrain those who were most active in the 
work of reform. 

^^You and your associates are unquestionably right,” 
said Zwingli one day to William Hermann ; only 
remember to be as wise as serpepts and as harmless as 
doves. Make haste slowly,^’ 


84 


THE FIRST DISCUSSION AT ZURICH 35 

The complaints of the church party, however, be- 
came more and more bitter, and it was at length de- 
cided that a public discussion should be held in Zurich, 
January 29, 1523. This was what is known as the 
First Zurich Discussion. Invitations had been sent 
to prominent men in the various cantons ; but of the 
reform party outside of the canton of Zurich, none 
were present except Dr. Sebastian Hofmeister, of 
SchaflPhausen, so little up to this time had the work of 
reform accomplished in other cantons. The assem- 
bly, however, was a notable one. High ecclesiastics, 
learned doctors from the universities, men prominent 
in civil and military affairs, parish priests, and many 
of the citizens of Zurich — in all six hundred — crowded 
the council hall where the discussion was held. 

As Zwingli entered the hall he received an enthu- 
siastic greeting from the friends of reform. He was 
accompanied by a group of intimate friends, among 
whom were Conrad Grebel, Ludwig Hetzer, and Wil- 
liam Hermann, and following them were attendants 
bearing large leather-bound volumes, that were placed 
on the table near which Zwingli took his seat. 

Max Koust, the burgomaster of Zurich, presided. 
A deep hush fell upon all as he called the assem- 
bly to order. Tall, of a powerful frame, with a face 
that indicated firmness and alertness, the burgomaster 
evidently possessed qualifications for leadership in 
troublous times. Referring to the object of the as- 
sembly, he said that complaints by some of the church 


36 


TRUE TO THE END 


officials with reference to Zwingli’s preaching and 
teaching had reached the council. For example/^ 
he continued, there are those who call Zwingli a 
heretic, and tell us that he is using his position in 
Zurich for the purpose of instilling into the minds and 
hearts of the people his abominable errors. Reports 
of these accusations have reached Zwingli, and he has 
expressed, in a manly way, an earnest desire to meet 
his accusers face to face. The council, therefore, in 
accordance with a custom handed down to us by our 
fathers, has called this meeting, and if any one in this 
hall has aught to say against Zwingli’s preaching or 
teaching, let him say it here and now in the presence 
of these my associates in the council and of this large 
assembly.” 

Fritz von Anwyl, grand master of the Bishop’s 
Court at Constance, rose as the burgomaster took his 
seat, and said that the bishop of Constance was repre- 
sented in the assembly by Dr. Bergenhaus, Vicar-Gen- 
eral Faber, and Dr. Martin Blanche, of Tubingen. 
They had taken seats at a table near which Zwingli 
and his friends were seated. 

Following this announcement there was a brief 
pause, and then Zwingli arose. All eyes were at once 
turned upon him, as in clear, ringing tones he ad- 
dressed the burgomaster. In all ages,” he said, 
God has manifested himself as an Almighty Father. 
But his children, following the devices of their own 
hearts, have departed from him. God, however, has 


37 


THE FIRST DISCUSSION AT ZURICH 

been merciful and bestowed upon them the light of his 
word. But in our time, and indeed for centuries, that 
light has been darkened. The doctrines of men have 
taken the place of the teachings of the Scriptures. 
What is needed is the pure gospel, faithfully preached. 
That it may be preached here in yonder cathedral, I 
came to Zurich four years ago. The holy gospel, the 
glad tidings of our Saviour and King, Jesus Christ, I 
have declared, not with man’s wisdom, but in demon- 
stration of the Spirit. On this account I have been 
denounced in certain quarters as a heretic, as if preach- 
ing and teaching what is contrary to the word of God. 
It is on this account, as the burgomaster has just said, 
that I have asked the council to call this assembly, 
and that all may know the sum and substance of my 
preaching and teaching, I have prepared certain theses 
which I am ready to defend. Now then, in the name 
of God, here I stand,” and Zwingli handed to the 
burgomaster the manuscript containing his theses. 

Dr. Faber, one of the representatives of the bishop 
of Constance, now addressed the burgomaster. This 
is not the place for a discussion,” he said. We must 
have a general council, or a council of bishops and 
learned men of the universities. I am informed that 
a general council will be held at Nuremberg within a 
year. Furthermore, the questions should be brought 
before the universities of Paris, Cologne, or Freiburg.” 

At this there was a smile upon many faces, and 
Zwingli said, Why not Erfurt, or Wittenberg ? ” 


38 


TRUE TO THE END 


Luther would be too near/’ Faber replied, and lie 
too smiled. But as I have already said,” he added, 
I am here to listen, not to discuss,” and he took his seat. 

The vicar-general speaks of a council,” said Zwingli. 
Here, in this room, is a Christian council. Indeed, 
the Saviour says, ^ Where two or three are gathered in 
my name, there am I in the midst of them.’ ” 

But where are the judges ? ” asked Faber. 

Here,” answered Zwingli, are the Holy Scrip- 
tures, which cannot lie,” and he laid his hand on the 
volumes before him. Here are the Scriptures in 
Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. In this city of Zurich, 
God be praised, we have more men learned in these 
languages than in any one of the universities mentioned 
by the vicar. Yes, there are in this room Christian 
hearts so enlightened by the Spirit of God that they 
are competent judges.” 

There was no response to these words, and the burgo- 
master at length, breaking the silence, said, If any 
one has anything to say let him say it.” 

After another pause Zwingli again arose. For the 
truth’s sake,” he said, I ask those here who have 
found fault with my preaching to state their objections.” 
But no one spoke. 

A stalwart Swiss near the door cried out, Where 
are now those fellows who on the streets talk so 
bravely ? There is Zwingli. You can talk behind his 
back, but not to his face,” and laughter in all parts of 
the hall greeted this sharp sally. 


THE FIEST DISCUSSION AT ZURICH 39 

Having a second and third time requested his op- 
ponents to appear against him, Zwingli called upon 
Jacob Wagner, pastor of Neftenbach. ‘^This is a 
practical matter,^’ said Wagner, and he referred to a 
mandate against evangelical preaching issued during 
the year by the bishop of Constance, and also to the 
arrest of the pastor of Fislisbach, who had disobeyed 
the mandate and in consequence had been thrown into 
prison. He is our brother,’^ said Wagner, and I 
wish to know what attitude I am to take in reference 
to this mandate.^^ 

I was not at Constance when the mandate was 
issued,’^ replied the yicar-general ; but I have no 
doubt it was intended to promote the peace of the dio- 
cese. As to the pastor of Fislisbach, he is a good 
simple-hearted man, but not a scholar. I saw him, 
proved to him that the invocation of saints is scriptural, 
and he retracted his errors. 

Zwino;li was on his feet in an instant. Show us 
the place where it is written that we are to invoke 
the saints as our advocates. Here are the Scriptures in 
Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. If there are such pas- 
sages, I will retract, like the imprisoned pastor, and in 
my ignorance seek instruction.’^ 

I am not here to discuss,” replied Faber. I will 
say, however, that there have been heretics who have 
rejected the invocation of saints, purgatory, etc., but 
councils and popes have condemned them. As to 
Zwingli’s appeal to the Scriptures, it should be said that 


40 


TRUE TO THE END 


interpretation is no slight gift of God. It is not enough 
that one should be able to read the Scriptures ; he must 
also be able to interpret what he reads.’^ 

Not so fast/^ said Zwingli. Show us the chapter 
in which the invocation and intercession of saints are 
taught. We will examine the passage and see if the 
doctrine is there.’’ 

Faber, however, did not deign to reply. Dr. Sebas- 
tian Hofmeister then arose. I was driven from 
Lucerne,” he said, on the charge of heresy, because 
I preached against the invocation and intercession of 
saints. I also would like to have the vicar-general 
give the passages in the Scriptures with which he won 
his victory over the pastor at Fislisbach.” 

Faber still declined to answer. Whatever others 
may say or believe,” he said, believe firmly in the 
intercession of the mother of God.” 

^^But,” said Zwingli, ‘^our inquiry is not what is 
your belief. We wish you to give us the Scripture 
passages, if any, on which your belief is founded.” 

Faber made no response. Leo Jud, who was sitting 
near Zwingli, then arose. I have been called to St. 
Peter’s Church in Zurich,” he said, and shall not 
teach the invocation of saints. Am I in error? If 
so will the vicar-general show me the passage of 
Scripture where it is written that we are to invoke the 
saints.” 

Must I fight against two ? ” asked Faber. 

You have your choice,” said Leo Jud. 


THE FIRST DISCUSSION AT ZilRICH 41 

I do not know you/’ was the vicar-general’s con- 
temptuous response. 

Zwingli, interrupting, reminded Faber that passages 
of Scripture concerning the invocation of saints had 
been called for. 

Faber now appealed to the litany and canons of the 
church, and Zwingli again asked for the testimony of 
the Scriptures. Give us one passage, even.” 

Faber quoted Luke 1 : 14 : Blessed art thou 
among women.” 

Is not the reference here to the sanctity and honor 
of Mary ? ” asked Zwingli. Not a word is said con- 
cerning invocation, intercession.” 

Faber made no reply and sat down. Then Dr. 
Martin Blanche, of Tubingen, arose. What has been 
ordained by the councils, under the guidance of the 
Holy Spirit,” he said, should be regarded by the 
Christian church as the gospels; for councils thus 
guided cannot err.” 

Cannot err ! ” said Zwingli. It certainly would 
not be difficult to show that councils have erred. We 
are to hold the truth, and whatever is aside from that, 
whether ordained by popes or councils, is not bind- 
ing.” 

To this Faber made no answer, and as no one else 
desired to speak, the burgomaster, after consulting with 
his associates of the council, adjourned the assembly 
until afternoon. 

During the intermission reports of what had taken 


42 


TRUE TO THE END 


place in the assembly were carried to every part of 
Zurich, and the events of the morning were earnestly 
discussed. 

At the appointed hour, in the afternoon, the coun- 
cil hall was again crowded. Speaking for the coun- 
cil, the burgomaster announced that inasmuch as no 
one had shown that Zwingli was a heretic, the cathe- 
dral preacher should be allowed to continue to teach 
and preach as he had already done, and that all other 
pastors and preachers in the canton should teach and 
preach only what was in accordance with the Holy 
Scriptures. 

Praise be to God,’’ exclaimed Zwingli, who causes 
his word to rule in heaven and on earth.” 

At this Faber could not restrain his indignation. 

Gentlemen,” he cried out, the theses of Zwingli 
seem to me to be wholly contrary to the honor of the 
church, and the divine teachings of Christ ; and I can 
prove it.” 

Do it,” said Zwingli. We will gladly listen.” 

Very well,” said Faber. We learn from Luke 
9 : 50, that ^ he who is not against us is for us.’ 
Fasts, confession, the mass, etc., are not against God, 
but for his honor, and therefore they are not to be re- 
jected.” 

But are not these customs of the church against 
God ? ” said Zwingli. God is best pleased with our 
obedience to his commands. He honors God who 
keeps his word, and lives according to his will.” 


THE FIRST DISCUSSION AT ZURICH 43 

Well said, Zwingli,’’ exclaimed Joachim von 
Watt, a member of the Council of St. Gall. 

Faber, who had risen, hesitated in his reply. At 
length he said that at one of the universities, Paris, 
Cologne, or Freiburg, as Zwingli might choose, he 
would prove that Zwingli’s theses were false. 

I will meet you anywhere,^’ exclaimed Zwingli. 

I will have no judge but the Scriptures, however.’’ 

But you understand the Scriptures in one way and 
others in another,” said Dr. Martin Blanche. There 
must be judges to decide as to the right interpreta- 
tion.” 

We are responsible to God, not to men,” said 
Zwingli. I must be true to my own enlightened un- 
derstanding of God’s word ; and so must every one 
judge for himself.” 

But what shall he do who has so small an income 
as not to be able to buy a Testament ? ” asked a priest 
in the middle of the hall. 

There is no priest so poor,” replied Zwingli, who 
if he really wishes a Testament may not have one. A 
pious member of the parish, or som^ other person, will 
buy a copy for him, or furnish him with money to buy 
one.” 

Faber again rose and referred to Zwingli’s theses. 

They are contrary to Scripture,” he said, and 1 can 
prove it in debate or in writing.” 

Why not now and here ? ” asked Zwingli. This 
is precisely what we desire.” 


44 


TRUE TO THE END 


As Faber made no reply, the burgomaster rose, and 
looking at Zwingli and those gathered around him, he 
said, The sword with which the pastor of Fislisbach 
was slain evidently sticks in its scabbard. I see no 
reason for prolonging the assembly and declare it dis- 
solved.^^ 

At once Zwingli was surrounded by an enthusiastic 
throng, and he was congratulated on the easy and deci- 
sive victory he had won in this first public encounter 
with the opponents of the reform movement. 


CHAPTER V 


ZWINGLi’s PEINCIPLE APPLIED 

R eturning to the castle, after the close of the 
assembly at Zurich, young Hermann gave Bertha 
and his mother a vivid account of the events of the. 
day. 

“ Never was Zwingli a nobler figure than in the 
council hall in the presence of his opponents,’^ he said. 
‘^From first to last his appeal was to the Scriptures, 
copies of which lay on the table before him ; and then 
he told how Faber, goaded by Zwingli, endeavored to 
meet this appeal and failed. Oh, it was a great vic- 
tory,’^ said William, and its infiuence must be felt. 
Zwingli has certainly indicated the way for us all in 
this growing movement.” 

It is the way indicated by our Lord, in his tempt- 
ation in the wilderness, when he repulsed the assaults 
of Satan by the words, ^ It is written,’ ” added the 
baroness. The Bible is the armory from which our 
most effective weapons must be drawn.” 

The long winter evenings that followed were given 
by William, Bertha, and the baroness to earnest, care- 
ful study of the word of God. A copy of Luther’s trans- 
lation of the New Testament, the first edition of which 
was published in the preceding autumn, Bertha had re- 

45 


46 


TKUE TO THE END 


ceived from her father as a New Year’s present, while 
her husband had recently secured a beautiful copy of the 
Complutensian Polyglot which was published in 1514- 
1517. Occasionally Zwingli was a guest at the castle, 
and these visits were made the more enjoyable because 
of his clear and at the same time profound exposition 
of the sacred word. 

In one of these visits Zwingli referred to certain com- 
plaints which the peasants of Wytikon, a village near 
Zurich, had made with reference to the exorbitant 
land rental charges which they were compelled to pay. 
These, with the great and small tithes of their products, 
they said, kept them in abject poverty, and they desired 
Zwingli’ s assistance in securing relief. 

I wish you would look into this matter for me,” 
Zwingli said to William Hermann. Why not go to 
Wytikon, make an investigation and report the facts 
on your return?” 

Hermann assented, and a few days later he rode out 
to Wytikon. With the pastor of the Wytikon Church, 
William Reublin, he was already acquainted. Reublin 
had become interested in the work of reform while con- 
nected with one of the churches in Basel, and making 
his way to Zurich, Zwingli had befriended him and 
secured his appointment as pastor at Wytikon. As 
one of the circle of young men whom Zwingli was ac- 
customed to meet each week for Bible study, Reublin 
had attracted William’s attention an account of the 
readiness and heartiness with which he accepted the 


ZWINGLi’s PRINCIPLE APPLIED 47 

teachings of the Scriptures. He had met him last at 
.the recent discussion in Zurich in which Reublin took a 
very deep interest. 

Reublin gave young Hermann a hearty welcome, and 
in answer to his questions, related very fully the circum- 
stances of those who had made complaint to Zwingli 
of the burdens imposed upon them by rents and tithes. 

The fact is,’’ said Reublin, these complaints were 
called forth by my report of Zwingli’ s victory at Zurich. 
After my return from that memorable assembly I 
called my people together, and stating Zwingli’ s prin- 
ciple, to reject in doctrine and practice whatever is con- 
trary to the w'ord of God, I gave them a full account 
of the way in which Zwingli applied this principle to 
such errors as the invocation of saints. In closing my 
report of the discussion I said, ^ Study the word, and 
if there is aught in doctrine or practice that is con- 
trary to the Scriptures, have no part or lot with it.’ 
Some of the more thoughtful of my hearers,” added 
Reublin, applied Zwingli’s principle in a way I had 
not foreseen. At one of my meetings for Bible study, 
not long after my report of the proceedings at the 
Zurich assembly, I read as the Scripture lesson, Luke 
4 ; 16-30. The passage comprises the account of the 
reception which Jesus received on his return to Nazareth 
after his baptism and the temptation in the wilderness. 
One of the company called attention to the Saviour’s 
words, ^ The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he 
hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor ; he 


48 


TRUE TO THE END 


hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach 
deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to thei 
blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach 
the acceptable year of the Lord/ ^ It seems to me,^ 
said the speaker, ^ that the gospel is designed to benefit 
those to whom it is addressed. Our Saviour was 
anointed to preach to the poor, to heal the broken- 
hearted, and to set at liberty them that are bruised. 
Christianity does not leave men where it finds them. 
It reaches out a helping hand to all the weary and heavy 
laden, animating them with the hope of a better and 
nobler life. Let us apply Zwingli’s principle to our 
own unhappy condition. Is not oppression contrary 
to the principles of the gospel? Could any greater 
wrong be inflicted upon us than to load us down with 
burdens that we are unable to bear ? ^ 

The appeal was evidently to me,’’ said Reublin, 
and I replied that the brother was unquestionably 
right in his view of the aim of Christianity. A better 
day is dawning for all who are oppressed. ^But be 
patient,’ I added. ^ Do not meet wrong with wrong. 
State your grievances and I will see what can be done 
for their redress. It must be that relief is possible.’ 

It was in this way,” continued Reublin, that the 
complaints of the peasantry reached Zwingli. With his 
powerful aid I felt sure that the hand of the oppressor 
would be lifted. 

But you shall see some of these men and judge for 
yourself,” added Reublin. A messenger was sum- 


ZWIXGLl’S PRINCIPLE APPLIED 49 

moned, and in a short time several of the peasants pre- 
sented themselves. Reublin explained the purpose of 
the interview, and the peasants in a manly way stated 
their grievances. We ask nothing,’’ they said, but 
what is in accordance with the plain teachings of the 
word of God. It seems to us that we are supported 
in our demands by the Scriptures. If we are not, let 
the fact be shown.” 

On his return to Zurich, William rehearsed to 
Zwingli all that he had heard at Wytikon. Tyranny 
unquestionably is practised in this matter of rents and 
tithes,” he said. ‘‘Those who oppress the peasants 
in this free mountain land are unjust extortioners.” 

“ Gently, Hermann,” replied Zwingli. “ There is 
doubtless a wrong here that should be righted, but 
moderate your utterance a little, at least for other ears.” 

The question concerning rents and tithes rapidly be- 
came one of general interest. Berthold Haller, of 
Berne, wrote to Zwingli April 8, 1523 : “ The nobles 

who delight so much in tithes and rents are especially 
hostile to the gospel. Therefore I greatly desire that 
you will give me your view of Matt. 5 : 42, in order 
that I may satisfy the opponents as well as the friends 
of the gospel. I know what some authorities say, but 
I cannot be satisfied until you have given me your 
opinion fully.” 

June 24, 1523, Zwingli preached a sermon on 
“Divine and Human Righteousness,” in which he set 
forth quite fully his views upon the subject. “ While 

D 


50 


TKUE TO THE END 


we are to render to every man what is his due,” 
lie said, the magistrates should make it their duty to 
see that no injustice is done in the matter of tithes and 
rents. If injustice is done, a remedy should be pro- 
vided.” 

This cautious utterance on the part of Zwingli did 
not satisfy the oppressed peasants. Reublin, who stood 
in such close relations to them, as a village pastor, was 
disappointed, and in a letter to Hermann he expressed 
regret that Zwingli, a son of a peasant, had not placed 
himself unequivocally upon the side of his suffering 
countrymen. 

Let us have boldness in assaulting the wrong,” he 
said, and the result we can leave with God.” 

Another movement showed still farther how Zwingli’s 
principle was applied in a way he had not anticipated. 
Ludwig Hetzer, a native of Bischofszell, in Thurgau, 
who had received his education at the university of 
Freiburg or that of Basel, and had become interested 
in the reform movement, had been attracted to Zurich 
by Zwingli’s fame, and had received an appointment as 
chaplain at Wadenschwyl, on the road from Zurich to 
Einsiedeln. Afterward he was transferred to Zurich. 
With other of Zwingli^s followers he devoted himself 
ardently to the study of the Scriptures. Impressed by 
the teachings of the Scriptures concerning idolatry, he 
soon came to the conviction that the worship of images 
in the churches and elsewhere was a violation of the 
word of God. 


ZWINGLi'S PRINCIPLE APPLIED 


61 


The people fall down, they crowd before these 
idols,’’ he said ; “ they burn tapers before them and 
bring them offerings.” 

So much was his heart stirred within him that he 
prepared a tract which he entitled, The Judgment of 
God against Images.” This tract was published by 
Froschauer, and had a wide circulation. In the first 
part ofJhe tract Hetzer gave quotations from the Pen- 
tateuch and other Old Testament Scriptures, concerning 
idol worship and idol worshipers. In the second part 
he reviewed the arguments advanced by the old church 
party in favor of the use of images. In closing the 
discussion he called upon those who took the opposite 
view to cite even a single passage of Scripture in favor 
of their position. 

Just outside of Zurich, at a place called Stadelhofen, 
stood an elaborately carved and richly ornamented 
cross, upon which was an image of the Saviour. 
One day Nicholas Hottinger, who had read Hetzer’s 
tract and had been impressed with its teachings, asked 
one of the residents of the neighborhood : 

When do you intend to throw down your idols?” 
No one compels you to worship them,” was his 
gruff response. 

‘^But do you not know,” replied Hottinger, ^Ghat 
the w^ord of God forbids us to have graven images ? ” 
Well, then,” was the answer, ^Gf you are author- 
ized to remove them, why do you not do so ? ” 

Not long after, about the end of September, 1523, 


52 


TRUE TO THE END 


Hermann was riding into Zurich late in the after- 
noon, just as a crowd of men, led by Hottinger, 
was passing out of the city gate. Down with the 
idols ! was the cry uttered by many voices, and the 
throng pressed forward to the Stadelhofen crucifix. 
Some of the men at once commenced to remove the 
earth at the base of the crucifix, and when this at 
length was done, the image fell with a loud crash. 
Sharp axes at once assailed it, and in a few minutes 
that which had been so long an object of worship, 
became a pile of chips only. 

Hermann, who had been a silent spectator of the 
work of these iconoclasts, reported the affair to 
Zwingli ; and while they were conversing concerning 
it, a member of the council was ushered into the room. 
The council, he said, had been hurriedly called together, 
and the arrest of Hottinger and his associates had. 
been ordered. Such demonstrations they thought 
would hinder rather than help the work of reform. 

Zwingli counseled moderation. Hottinger and his 
associates,” he said, may be punished for having 
acted without the sanction of the magistrates, but they 
have certainly done nothing that is wrong in itself or 
worthy of death.” 

Later, Zwingli conferred with other members of the 
council, and it was finally agreed, on account of con- 
flicting views, that further consideration of the matter 
should be postponed until the principles involved could 
have additional discussion. 


ZWINGLI’S PRINCIPLE APPLIED 53 

Meanwhile, late in August, Zwingli had published a 
tract which still more irritated the old church party. 
This tract had reference to the sacrifice of the mass, 
but it did not go so far as some of Zwingli’s radical 
followers desired, especially Grebel, Reublin, Mantz, 
and Stumpf, who would abolish the mass as unscrip- 
tural. 

With a view to the settlement of the questions that 
had been raised concerning images and the mass, the 
Zurich council decided to summon delegates to a second 
discussion. This was held October 26-28, 1523. 
As before, members of the old church party were 
invited, but they failed to appear, and the discussion 
was participated in only by the friends of reform, of 
whom more than nine hundred, including three hun- 
dred and fifty priests, were assembled. 

Dr. Sebastian Hofmeister presided on the first day. 
At the opening of the assembly Zwingli arose. All 
eyes were fixed upon him as he said : The assembly 

before which I now speak is the church of Zurich. It 
desires to hear the word of God, and it has the right 
of demanding that all that is here said shall be in har- 
mony with the Holy Scriptures.’’ 

One of the canons of the cathedral, Conrad Hoff- 
man, in the absence of the bishop’s representatives, 
defended the pope. No such body of Christians, he 
contended, had any right to discuss such matters. I 
was thirteen years at Heidelberg,” he said, living in 
the house of a very great scholar, whose name was Dr. 


54 


TRUE TO THE END 


Joss, a worthy and pious man, with whom I long ate 
and drank and led a merry life ; but I always heard 
him say it was not proper to discuss such matters. 
So you see A roar of laughter, promptly sup- 

pressed by the burgomaster, greeted these words. 

“ Let us wait for a council,’^ added Holfman. 

Wait for a council ! ” exclaimed Zwingli. And 
who will attend a council ? The pope with some slug- 
gish and ignorant bishops who do nothing but what 
suits their fancy. No ! the church is not there. Our 
village churches even are of more account than all the 
bishops and popes put together.’^ 

The discussion of the question concerning images 
then commenced. There were those among the priests 
who defended the earlier practice ; but Zwingli and his 
associates insisted that all arguments must be derived 
from the Scriptures alone. If no one comes forward 
to defend the use of images by arguments derived from 
the Scriptures,’^ said Hofmeister, shall call upon 
some of those who favor the use of images to present 
the scriptural argument.” 

As no one arose, Hofmeister asked the priest of 
Wiidenschwyl to take the floor. 

He is asleep,” said one of the spectators. 

The priest of Horgen was then called. 

“ He has sent me as his representative,” replied his 
curate ; but I have nothing to say.” 

Indeed no one could be found who was willinor to 
attempt even a scriptural defense of the use of images 


ZWINGLI’S PRINCIPLE APPLIED 55 

ia worship, and all those who hitherto had defended 
the practice admitted that this had been done without 
due consideration. 

Hitherto,’^ said one of these parish priests, I 
have put my trust in the old doctors ; now I will 
believe in the new.^^ 

You should not believe in us,’’ exclaimed Zwingli, 
but in God’s word. It is the Scriptures alone that 
cannot err.” 

The second day of the discussion was devoted to the 
doctrine of the mass. 

My brethren in Christ,” said Zwingli, far from 
us be the thought that there is any deception or false- 
hood in the body and blood of Christ. Our only aim 
is to show that the mass is not a sacrifice that one man 
can offer to God for another, any more than a man can 
eat and drink for his friend.” 

No one in the assembly was willing to defend the 
mass from the Scriptures. 

At length Hubmeier, pastor at Waldshut, arose. 

I should like to add a few words,” he remarked, 
to what Zwingli has so well said. My appeal in this 
matter, as in all matters, is to the clear word of God.” 

Then, with the Bible in his hand, Hubmeier read 
numerous passages of Scripture. After calling atten- 
tion to the account of the Lord’s Supper in 1 Cor. 11: 
23-26, he added, ^^You will notice that Christ does 
not say, ^ This offer,’ but ^ This do.’ ” 

And with emphasis he repeated, an emphasis that 


56 


TRUE TO THE END 


challenged the rapt attention of all in the council 
chamber, the words, This do ! This do ! 

At the close of the discussion, Conrad Grebel arose. 

It is not enough,^^ he said, to have discussed the 
doctrine of the mass, we must put an end to its 
abuses.^’ 

The council will draw up an edict on the subject,^’ 
replied Zwingli. 

The Spirit of God has already decided,” exclaimed 
Simon Stumpf. Why refer the matter to the mem- 
bers of the council. Is the decision after all with 
them, and not with the word of God, as the supreme 
authority ? ” 

The discussion closed, but with feelings of dissatis- 
faction on the part of some who had been Zwingli’s 
most ardent supporters hitherto. William Hermann 
was one of these. He regretted that Zwingli during 
the discussion had not insisted upon immediate obedi- 
ence to the plain teachings of the Scriptures. He had 
been especially impressed by the earnest, forcible words 
of Hubmeier. In a letter to Hubmeier, a few days 
after the discussion, Hermann wrote : Your words 
had the right ring. Thus far I have stood at Zwing- 
li’s side, and I love him so well that I hope nothing 
will in any way separate me from him. But having 
planted my feet upon the word of God, I cannot be 
moved therefrom even by Zwingli himself. It is the 
mandate of the council, I understand, that the images 
need not be immediately removed, while each priest is 


ZWINGLI^S PRINCIPLE APPLIED 57 

free to celebrate the mass or not. It is also provided 
that the views of the council shall be laid before the 
bishops of Constance, Chur, and Basel, also the Uni- 
versity of Basel, with the promise that after six months 
the matter will be finally settled. Hottinger is ban- 
ished from the canton for two years.” 


CHAPTER VI 


THE BREACH WIDENED 


FEW days after the second discussion, some busi- 



ness matters required William Hermann's pres- 
ence in the little village of Honng, a short distance north 
of Zurich. Simon Stumpf was the pastor of the village 
church, and Hermann, recalling Stumpf ^s vigorous 
words near the close of the discussion, sought an in- 
terview with him before leaving the place. He found 
Stumpf in his study reading a letter which he had just 
received from the council of Zurich. 

No one could be more welcome,’’ said Stumpf, as 
he rose to greet young Hermann, whom he had often 
met in Zwingli’s study. I want your advice. Here 
is a letter from the council dismissing me from my 
pastorate.” 

On what ground ? ” asked Hermann. 

I am not informed,” replied Stumpf. A few 
weeks ago I called on Zwingli, and had a long conver- 
sation with him. ^ The reform movement,’ I said, 

‘ means separation from the Church of Rome. But 
what is to take its place ? If we turn to the New 
Testament it is plain that the apostolic churches were 
composed of believers only, and not of believers and 
unbelievers, as in the Roman Catholic Church ’ ; and I 


58 


THE BREACH WIDENED 


59 


suggested to Zwingli that we should go back to the 
primitive practice in this matter as well as in other 
matters/^ 

What answer did he make ? ’’ inquired Hermann. 

He said he did not think that such a course would 
be in accordance with the Scriptures/^ replied Stumpf. 

‘ Are we not taught by our Saviour himself that the 
tares and the wheat are to grow together ? Besides/ 
he said, ^ if we are here and now to separate the tares 
from the wheat, there will be nothing for the angels to 
do at the end of the world.’ ” 

Hermann smiled at this last suggestion, and Stumpf 
continued : I reminded Zwingli that if we should 
adopt the primitive practice, we would still have, as 
far as humanity is concerned, the tares and the wheat 
growing together ; ^ in other words,’ I said, ^ the teach- 
ing of Christ concerning the tares and the wheat can- 
not be urged against the teachings of the New Testa- 
ment concerning the constitution of the apostolic 
churches, which clearly show that these churches were 
bodies of Christian disciples, banded together for their 
own development in Christian knowledge and graces, 
and for the purpose of securing the complete establish- 
ment of the kingdom of Christ among men.’ 

We discussed the matter a long time,” added 
Stumpf, but Zwingli was immovable. He said my 
view was that of the Donatists, and was manifestly 
impracticable. ^But is it scriptural? That is the 
question,’ I added. Zwingli declined to discuss the 


60 


TRUE TO THE END 


matter further, and now comes this missive from the 
council removing me from my pastorate.’^ 

Have you talked with others who are interested in 
the reform movement ? asked Hermann. 

Yes,^^ replied Stumpf ; at the time of the second 
discussion I had an interview with Conrad Grebel 
and Felix Mantz at the latteFs home, where I was a 
guest. Both said they had not thought of the matter, 
and I called their attention to such passages of Scrip- 
ture as occurred to me at the time, viz., Acts 2 : 47 ; 
5 : 14 ; 1 Cor. 1 : 2.’^ 

Will you turn to these passages ? asked Hermann. 

I confess that the suggestion you make is a new one 
with me.’^ 

Stumpf opened his New Testament and read not 
only the passages to which he had just referred, but 
many others, comprising the scriptural teaching con- 
cerning the constitution of the apostolic churches. 

And yet,’^ he said, evidently because I have ex- 
pressed these and other views not in harmony with 
those which Zwingli holds, the council dismisses me 
from my pastorate.’^ 

I do not like to think so,’^ said Hermann. At 
any rate I will see Zwingli on my return to Zurich.’’ 

As William Hermann rode back to the city, his 
thoughts were busy with the matters that Stumpf had 
mentioned. It seemed to him that Stumpf was right ; 
but he did not wish to break with Zwingli. The differ- 
ences developed at the second discussion had greatly 


THE BREACH WIDENED 


61 


distressed him, and now added differences could hardly 
be avoided. 

He found Zwingli in his study. I have just 
come from Honng,” he said. 

Did you see Stumpf?’’ asked Zwingli. 

Yes,^^ he answered. Some business matters in 
the village required my presence, and when I had 
attended to them I called on him.’^ 

He is a troublesome fellow,” said Zwingli. He 
carries a windmill in his head.” 

But he is evidently a man of deep religious spirit,” 
said Hermann. From his people I heard only good 
concerning him.” 

No doubt,” replied Zwingli ; but of late he has 
developed certain radical tendencies that will certainly 
bring our work of reform into contempt. He has re- 
cently conceived the idea of a church consisting of be- 
lievers only, which he insists is in accordance with the 
New Testament idea. What added folly he is contem- 
plating, he has not as yet disclosed.” 

In my interview with him,” said Hermann, 

Stumpf referred to his views concerning a New Tes- 
tament church. The point he makes is a new one to 
me, but he evidently has the Scriptures on his side. At 
any rate I was not able to break the force of the scrip- 
tural argument which he presented.” 

Zwingli paused a moment, gave young Hermann a 
searching look, and added in a tone that indicated great 
sorrow of heart, And will you also leave me ? ” 


62 


TKUE TO THE END 


You know I have loved you as I have loved no 
other man except my own father/^ replied Hermann, 
^‘but in all matters of faith and practice you have 
taught me to follow the instructions of God’s word. I 
thank you for the great service you have rendered me 
in making me familiar with the divine oracles. I will 
never cease to be gmteful to you. But if Stumpf is 
right in his understanding of the teachings of the 
Scriptures, I must not refuse to follow these teachings 
from a feeling that possibly they may prove harmful 
to the reform movement. I should do violence to my 
conscience if I were to take such a position. I will 
give further thought to the matter, however,’^ he 
added, ^^and I hope we shall still be found on the 
same side in this great conflict for God and the right.’’ 

That evening, after his return to the castle, Hermann 
made known to Bertha and his mother the experi- 
ences of the day. The shadow that rested upon him 
now rested upon them also. That anything should ever 
separate them from Zwingli, to whom they were 
bound by so many sacred ties, was a possibility they 
had not hitherto considered ; and they talked the mat- 
ter over far into the night. As the baroness rose to 
retire, she said : In some way, I trust that these dif- 
ferences may yet disappear, and that the friends of re- 
form, as hitherto, may be found standing side by 
side.” 

Yes,” replied Hermann, ^^but it must be upon the 
one foundation — God’s holy word.” 


THE BREACH WIDENED 


63 


A few weeks later Conrad G rebel and Felix Mantz 
called at the castle. Grebel, whose position at the 
second discussion indicated radical tendencies, was a son 
of Jacob Grebel, a member of the Zurich council. He 
had studied at the universities of Vienna and Paris, 
and was one of the most promising of the young men 
whom Zwingli had attached to himself in the reform 
movement. Indeed, the thought had occurred to many 
of tlie friends of reform that Grebel would yet be to 
Zwingli what Melanchthon was to Luther. Mantz was 
a son of a canon of the cathedral, an excellent Hebrew 
scholar, and had been associated with Zwingli from the 
time Zwingli came to Zurich. Both Grebel and Mantz 
had accepted Stumpf ^s view as to the constitution of 
the apostolic churches, and both had discussed the matter 
with Zwingli, but discussion had only widened the 
breach between tliem. It was on this account that 
they now sought an interview with William Hermann. 
The whole question as to church-membership was care- 
fully considered. 

At length Mantz said : There is another matter 
that should receive attention. The Scriptures assert 
the great doctrine of justification by faith. Those who 
were added to the apostolic churches were believers — 
those who could exercise personal faith. What, then, 
becomes of infant baptism? This question I know 
has troubled Zwingli. Indeed, at one time he enter- 
tained the view that it would be better to abandon in- 
fant baptism, and not to baptize children until they 


64 


TRUE TO THE END 


were sufficiently advanced in years to exercise intelli- 
gent faith. But from this position he was compelled 
to withdraw. . He saw that a State church without in- 
fant baptism is impossible ; in other words, that the 
setting aside of infant baptism was the same as the 
setting aside of the national church. 

And he saw clearly/^ added Grebel. But is it 
not now also plain that Zwingli has abandoned the 
position he held at the first discussion when he won 
such a splendid victory? The reason is not far to 
seek. Zwingli favors a union of Church and State. 
Indeed, he deems such a union essential to the highest 
prosperity of either. Accordingly he is opposed to 
what he calls a Donatist church, that is, a church of 
believers only, and he wishes to retain infant baptism 
as indispensable in a State church.’^ 

“ It is evident,’^ said Hermann, that in the reform 
movement we have come to the parting of the roads. 
This thought has been growing upon me since the sec- 
ond discussion, and I have sought to find, if possible, 
some way in which I could be true to my convictions 
of duty and still remain at Zwingli’s side. But in 
this I have been disappointed, and I had almost come 
to the conclusion that henceforth I would refrain from 
any expression of my opinions and quietly await the 
disclosures the future is sure to bring.” 

^^But if we desire to influence the reform move- 
ment in Switzerland,” said Grebel, I am confident 
that we shall accomplish most by immediate action. 


THE BREACH WIDENED 


65 


Believing we are right in our view of the teaching of 
the Scriptures, we must speak promptly and boldly.” 

‘^Furthermore,” added Mantz, “the position we 
have taken with reference to a return to the practice of 
the apostolic churches may so commend itself to the 
people generally that even Zwingli will be constrained 
to change his course.” 

“Very well,” said Hermann; “we will hope for 
the best.” 

There was a knock at the door of the library, and 
as young Hermann rose to answer it, a servant ushered 
in Zwingli, who had just arrived at the castle, and 
evidently expected to find Hermann alone. When he 
discovered the presence of Grebel and Mantz, he drew 
back as if he might be regarded as an intruder. 

“ I was not told,” he said, “ that you were busy with 
visitors. Pardon the interruption.” 

“ It is not an interruption,” was the reply. “ You 
have always been a welcome guest at this house 
and you are still. We are all old friends and inter- 
ested in the great movement in which we have looked 
to you for leadership.” 

“ But, evidently, you look to me no longer,” said 
Zwingli. “ I have cared for you as a mother cares for 
her children, and now you insist on walking in your 
own ways.” 

“ No, not in our own w^ays,” answered Hermann, 
but in God’s ways. You yourself taught us that the 
Scriptures are the supreme authority in all matters of 
E 


66 


TRUE TO THE END 


faith and practice, and it is because of these teachings 
that we have been compelled to differ with you/^ 

That is your view of the matter/’ said Zwingli. 

But you are deceived, and are imperiling the reform 
movement in Switzerland. I entreat you to stop where 
you are, and tliis is the purpose of my presence here 
to-day. Standing at my side as hitherto, you can ac- 
complish much for truth and righteousness. In your 
present course you will aid in the work of division and 
separation that has already begun. And what I say to 
you, I say also to Grebel and Mantz.” 

Zwingli moved toward the door. I should not 
have broken in upon you in this way,” he said ; ex- 
cuse me.” 

Hermann, Grebel, and Mantz insisted that no excuse 
was needed, and begged Zwingli to stay ; but he 
politely declined and hurriedly left the castle. 

It is evident,” said Grebel, that no change on 
the part of Zwingli is to be expected.” 

Let us not forget, however, how much we owe to 
him,” said Hermann. If we cannot longer stand at 
Zwingli’ s side, we can honor him for his invaluable 
instructions.” 

After some further conversation, Grebel and Mantz 
returned to Zurich. 


CHAPTER yil 


FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS. 

S TUMPF continued to preach in the little parish 
church at Honn^ notwithstanding: his dismissal 
by the Zurich council. A few weeks later, however, 
December 23, 1523, an officer of the council appeared 
in the village, bringing with him an order banishing 
Stumpf from the canton. Stumpf had no time for 
consultation with his friends. No opportunity was 
given him even for a farewell word to his people, by 
whom he was greatly beloved on account of his faith- 
ful ministrations among them. The villagers, how- 
ever, had rightly divined the meaning of this offi- 
cial visitation, and hurriedly came together in the 
narrow street on which the pastor’s modest residence 
stood. Stumpf soon appeared, accompanied by the 
officer. 

Make way ! ’’ shouted the latter. 

For you ? ’’ asked William Aberli, the amtmann of 
the village. Stumpf is our pastor, and has been faith- 
ful to us. We will be faithful to him.’’ 

We are a free people,” added Jacob Gross, and 
have a right to choose our own pastors.” And turning 
to the crowd in the street, he shouted, Shall we 
maintain our rights ? ” 


67 


68 


TRUE TO THE END 


Yes ! yes ! yes ! responded a hundred voices, and 
the villagers were about to rush forward to rescue 
Stumpf from the hands of the officer, when the pastor 
raised his hand, and waving it deprecatingly, cried 
out, earnestly : 

Calm yourselves, my people. You are not strong 
enough to contend successfully with Zurich. Be sure 
it is better to allow this wrong to be consummated 
than to resist the order of the council. I have en- 
deavored to serve you faithfully. It has been my aim 
to set forth and enforce the teachings of God’s word. 
I regret that I cannot continue my work. But as I 
am denied this privilege, remember the words I have 
spoken to you, and God grant that you may not long 
be left as sheep without a shepherd.^’ 

It was evident that Stumpf would not accept an un- 
lawful release, and yet it was with difficulty that the 
people could restrain themselves from resisting the 
officer of ’the council. Mounting the horse that had 
been provided for him, Stumpf shook hands with those 
who were nearest, and then with a word of farewell to 
all, he accompanied the officer, by whom he was con- 
ducted to Schaff hausen, whence he soon made his way 
into Germany. 

While at Schaffhausen, Stumpf seized an opportu- 
nity for writing a letter to William Hermann. After 
recounting the circumstances connected with his arrest 
and banishment, he added : I might have availed my- 
self of the services of my faithful parishioners and made 


FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS 


69 


my escape, but others would thereby have suffered on 
my account. I shall continue the good work elsewhere 
for the present. May God be with the brethren in 
Switzerland who are laboring so faithfully to restore 
primitive Christianity.^^ 

The council evidently expected that the banishment 
of Stumpf would serve as a warning to other pastors 
who had manifested radical tendencies ; but the pastor 
at Rifferschwyl, in March, 1524, preached a sermon in 
which he referred to infant baptism as unscriptural ; 
while Reublin, at Wytikon, emphasized the same fact, 
not only in his preaching, but in his weekly study of 
the Scriptures with his people. 

Deprecating division in the work of reform, however, 
Hermann at length suggested to Grebel, Mantz, and 
Reublin, that an effort be made to have a discussion 
with Zwingli and the pastors at Zurich concerning 
infant baptism. We have already a constituency in 
the churches around Zurich which cannot be disre- 
garded,’’ he said, and I feel that in the interest of 
union in this great work, we should make all possible 
effort to bring the friends of reform together once 
more.” 

Grebel and Reublin were of the opinion that the 
proposal of such a discussion would not be received 
with favor by Zwingli. Mantz, however, agreed with 
Hermann, and it was finally decided that the latter 
should have an interview with Zwingli and suggest a 
discussion. 


70 


TRUE TO THE END 


Zwingli at first declined to enter into any such ar- 
rangement. ^^My views upon this point/^ he said, 
are settled. I do not care to discuss the subject any 
further.'' 

But," said young Hermann, the desirability of 
union in the reform movement you must acknowledge. 
The members of the old church party say we are threat- 
ened with a multiplicity of sects. Let us have a care- 
ful and prayerful consideration of the teachings of the 
Scriptures, and possibly once more we may present a 
united front in the work undertaken." 

Zwingli at length yielded, and it was arranged that 
a discussion should be held during the summer. 
Zwingli insisted that the discussion should be private. 

Why private ? " asked Grebel, who with Hermann 
had called upon Zwingli to make arrangements for the 
meeting. 

There is no necessity for a public discussion," said 
Zwingli. The question does not concern the people 
generally." 

^‘It concerns them more than you imagine, evi- 
dently," added Grebel. 

It was at length agreed that the discussion should 
be held in private, and that Grebel, Mantz, Keublin, 
and William Hermann should meet the Zurich pastors 
in the presence of witnesses representing both parties. 
The discussion took place near the close of July, in 
Zwingli's room at the cathedral. An entire day was 
spent in the presentation of arguments, but at the close 


FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS 


71 


of the discussion it was evident that neither party had 
made any impression upon the other, and that each 
would continue in the course hitherto pursued. 

On returning to the castle that night William Hermann 
found a messenger just arrived froin Waldshut with a 
note from Hubmeier, who, after the second discussion, 
had entered upon the w^ork of reform at Waldshut with 
great earnestness. The old church party from the first 
manifested much opposition to the movement, and re- 
calling the letter he had received from young Hermann 
after his return from Zurich, Hubmeier now wrote to 
him asking if it would be possible for him to come to 
Waldshut. 

I think you can be of service here in the present 
juncture,’’ he wrote. 

William Hermann hurriedly made his way to Walds- 
hut, leaving the castle a little after noon. It was the 
sixteenth of August, and he reached the town early in 
the evening. Groups of men, here and there upon the 
street, were in earnest conversation. Evidently mat- 
ters of importance were under consideration. Having 
left his horse at the public house, he inquired for 
Hubmeier’ s residence, and was directed to a dwelling 
near the church. He found Hubmeier alone. 

Your arrival is most opportune,” he said. The 
old church party here is too strong for me. As 
Waldshut is within the imperial jurisdiction, some of 
my opponents have sought to deliver me into the hands 
of Austria. But there are some among them who are 


72 


TRUE TO THE END 


kindly disposed toward me, and they have given me to 
understand that if I will resign, I will be allowed to 
seek some other field of labor. I have accordingly 
deemed it best to take this course, and my resignation 
is in the hands of the proper authorities ; but some of 
my people here are by no means sure that my opponents 
are-acting in good faith. I am going to Schalf hausen^ 
and I have therefore asked some of my friends to ac- 
company me. It was on this account that I wrote to 
you. There are others to whom I sent a like request, 
and they will be here this evening. Some of my people 
here also will accompany me. I shall leave Waldshut 
in the morning, and I hope we will get through to 
Schaffhausen without trouble of any kind.^’ 

' Hermann spent the evening in consultation with 
some of Hubmeier’s Waldshut friends, and arrange- 
ments were made for the journey on the morrow. Out- 
side of a small circle of Hubmeier^s followers, no one 
in Waldshut knew that the pastor’s departure was at 
hand. 

Early in the morning everything was in readiness, 
and before many of the townspeople were astir, Hub- 
meier, with a dozen well-armed attendants, rode out of 
Waldshut, taking the road up the Rhine. It was such 
a day as one would choose for a holiday excursion, 
bright and cool. The road was by the side of green 
fields or along the river’s bank. One or two of the 
party rode in advance, ready to report any suspicious 
circumstances. But none were discovered, and at 


FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS 


73 


length the boundary of the canton was safely reached. 
Here the Waldshuters took their leave. 

We will not say farewell/’ said Felix Wandt to 
Hubmeier. We expect to see you again soon. Your 
departure cannot but help the reform movement in 
Waldshut. Those who for one reason or another have 
hitherto hesitated to join us will not be content with 
a pastor of the old church party, and discovering the 
error they have made, they will unite with us, I am 
confident, in requesting your return to Waldshut. 
Make no permanent engagement elsewhere.” 

^‘As God wills,” replied Hubmeier. ^^It is my 
wish certainly that I may be permitted to resume my 
work in Waldshut. You shall hear from me.” And 
with many expressions of affectionate regard, the 
Waldshuters shook hands with Hubmeier, and set out 
on their return. 

Hubmeier, with William Hermann and several other 
members of the party, continued his journey to Schaff- 
hausen. A few hours’ ride brought them to this inter- 
esting old town, situated, like Waldshut, on the Rhine. 
Entering one of the narrow streets of the place, they 
halted at the house of Conrad Strasser, a member of the 
council, whose acquaintance Hubmeier had made when 
in Schafif hausen, in March of the preceding year. 
Strasser invited Hubmeier and his companions to dis- 
mount and partake of his hospitality ; but when he 
learned the circumstances under which Hubmeier had 
left Waldshut, he suggested a consultation with some 


74 


TRUE TO THE END 


of the friends of reform in Schaifhausen. These were 
hastily summoned, and it was agreed that while Hub- 
meier was in no immediate danger, there was need of 
watchfulness on the part of his friends, and an asylum 
was found for him in a cloister connected with the cathe- 
dral. There William left him. 

You have done me a service I shall never forget,’’ 
said Hubmeier. There are times when one learns 
the worth of a true friend. The Lord reward you a 
thousand fold.” 

have had my reward already,” replied young 
Hermann. It is enough that I have had these few 
hours in your company. Your words and your exam- 
ple are an inspiration to me. Call upon me whenever 
I can serve you.” 

A few weeks after his return from Schaffhausen, 
he received a letter from Hubmeier. His Waldshut 
enemies, he said, had made their appearance in 
Schaffhausen, and had urged the council to arrest 
him and hand him over to the imperial authorities. In 
the meantime Hubmeier had addressed three letters to 
the council. Copies of these letters he sent to his friend. 
In one of them he offered to meet his opponents in the 
presence of the pastors of Lucerne, Appenzell, and 
Uri, and discuss with them the points at issue. If I 
am wrong,” he said, let me be punished. If, how- 
ever, these pastors are wrong, I ask only that they may 
be brought to a knowledge of their errors, and left un- 
punished.” He closed his letter with this ringing 


FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS 


75 


utterance : Divine truth is immortal, and although 
for a while it may be arrested, scourged, crowned, cru- 
cified, and buried, it will, nevertheless, on the third 
day rise victorious and rule and triumph forever and 
ever/’ 

In the last of these three letters Hubmeier earnestly 
renewed his request for a discussion. It was not just, 
he said, that he should be condemned unheard. I 
am ready to give to all men an account of my doctrine 
and my hope, as for two years I have preached the 
same. If I have spoken the truth, why am I assailed, 
and others for my sake ? If I have erred and taught 
what is false, I call upon all Christians to testify to the 
same, and from the Scriptures to shovv me again the right 
way.” Hubmeier closed the letter with these words : 

I entreat all believers in Christ to unite with me in 
prayer to God that he will impart to me his grace and 
strength, and bestow upon me a brave, princely spirit, 
to the end that I may rest upon his holy word, and in 
a true Christian faith may commend my spirit into 
God’s hands, through our Lord Jesus Christ, his only 
begotten Son.” 

‘^I am awaiting the action of the council,” wrote 
Hubmeier to Hermann, and I am employing my 
leisure in writing a book ^ Concerning Heretics, and 
Those who Burn Them.’ The old church party has 
become more and more violent in its demands, and 
their cry now is, ^ Away with these heretics ! let them 
be burned ! ’ I shall show that the burning of heretics 


76 


TRUE TO THE END 


cannot be justified by the Scriptures. Our Saviour 
taught that the wheat and tares should be allowed to 
grow together until the harvest, which is the end of the 
world.^’ 

Early in October William received a letter from 
Jacob Wandt, of Waldshut. He said there had been a 
change in the sentiments of the people of the town, as 
he anticipated. Those who had hitherto stood aloof 
from the reform movement had become dissatisfied 
with the action of the old church party, and the friends 
of reform were now in the majority in Waldshut. 

We have just issued an address to all believing 
Christians,’^ he said, ^^and we have also asked the 
council of Zurich to send us help, as we fear a conflict 
with the imperial authorities. Can you not come here 
also ? You can make my house your home while in 
Waldshut.” 

William read the letter to his wife and mother. 

If it is necessary that you should go,” said 
Bertha, 1 have nothing to say. But is it necessary ? 

cannot answer,” said William, ^^but my interest 
in affairs at Waldshut, and especially in Hubmeier, is 
such that I think I ought to go. It is a time when 
one should not think of himself, but of the great in- 
terests that are at stake.” 

The next morning he set out for Waldshut, and be- 
fore noon he dismounted at Wandt’s house. Wandt 
greeted him most cordially, and made him acquainted 
with the present state of affairs. During the night a 


FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS 


77 


company of soldiers sent by the Council of Zurich 
entered Waldshut and were quartered in the town 
hall. 

The aetion of the Waldshuters in securing the pres- 
ence of an armed force in the place had the desired 
effect, and all opposition on the part of the opponents 
of reform now ceased. William Hermann returned 
home, and many of the Zurich soldiers left Waldshut 
in a few days, as there was no need of their services. 

Toward the end of October, Hubmeier received word 
that the obstacles to his return to his parish had been 
removed, and with a few of his SchaflPhausen friends 
he at once set out for Waldshut. It was near the 
close of the day as the little party rode into the town. 
Hubmeier was at once recognized, and glad shouts 
greeted him as he passed along the street to his former 
residence. A large crowd at once gathered in front of 
his house. Hubmeier soon appeared. I will speak 
to you in the church,’^ he said ; and the people having 
made a passage for their pastor through the throng, fol- 
lowed Hubmeier into the sanctuary where they had so 
often listened to his eloquent words. 

First a hymn of thanksgiving was sung, all the 
congregation joining in the melody. Then Hubmeier 
offered a fervent prayer, in which all hearts were lifted 
to the God of all grace. Another hymn was followed 
by an earnest, inspiring address. Hubmeier expressed 
his gratitude to the people for the kind words of wel- 
come with which they had received him and his joy in 


78 


TRUE TO THE END 


resuming his ministry among them. It has been 
said/’ he added, that I preach a new doctrine. This 
is an error. The doctrine I have preached is as old as 
the New Testament. It is the doctrine taught by 
Christ and by his apostles by his command. It is 
not Luther’s doctrine, as some have affirmed. He is a 
man as we. If he speaks or writes the truth, it is not 
his truth, but Christ’s. Christ we know, and daily 
from his holy word we learn more and more concern- 
ing him. We are not baptized in the name of Luther, 
or any other man, but of Christ. In his name we 
bend the knee, not in the name of Luther. Through 
Christ, and through Christ alone, we have redemption. 
To him I have endeavored to lead you hitherto, and to 
him I seek to lead you now as here again in this hal- 
lowed place I take up the work I love so well. The 
Lord smile upon us and bless us one and all.” 

Hubmeier then dismissed the congregation, but all 
remained for a personal greeting. Waldshut had never 
known a happier hour than that in which pastor and 
people were reunited. 


CHAPTER yill 


SEVERER MEASURES 

L udwig HETZER reappeared in Zurich not long 
after Hubmeier’s return to Waldshut. When 
he left Zurich for Augsburg, in Bavaria, in the pre- 
ceding June, although he evidently was in sympathy 
with the radical party, he carried with him a letter 
from Zwingli to Frosch, one of the evangelical pastors 
of the city, commending him as an exceedingly prom- 
ising and scholarly young man. While in Augsburg 
he devoted himself to the preparation of a translation 
of Bugenhagen’s Commentary on the Ten Epistles 
of Paul,’’ which he published there, dedicating the 
work to Andrew Rem, one of the wealthiest and most 
influential citizens of the place. A copy of this work 
he gave to Zwingli on his arrival in Zurich. In an 
interview with Zwingli at this time, Hetzer found that 
the Zurich reformer was much more emphatic in his 
opposition to radical views than when he was in Zurich 
before. 

^^I am about to publish a work,” said Zwingli, ^Gn 
which I will denounce in the severest terms this move- 
ment to destroy the work of reform.” 

But is this the purpose of the movement ? ” said 

79 


80 


TRUE TO THE EXD 


Hetzer. During my former residence in Zurich I 
had frequent interviews with Grebel, Mantz, Eeublin, 
Hermann, and others, but they seemed to me to have 
no other purpose than to accept and follow the teach- 
ings of the Scriptures. Indeed I shared their views, 
and my study of the Scriptures during my residence in 
Augsburg has confirmed the position I was compelDd 
to take at that time.^’ 

I suspected as much,’’ replied Zwingli. Indeed 
nothing has been to me the occasion of greater grief 
than the falling away from the truth of so many of 
my dearest friends and pupils. You are wrong, you 
may be sure.” 

But the path we have taken is the one you marked 
out for us,” said Hetzer. May it not be possible 
that blinded by your desire to maintain the union of 
Church and State you yourself have fallen away from 
the truth ? ” 

I do not care to discuss the matter with you,” said 
Zwingli. All such discussions I have found to be 
unprofitable,” and with some manifestations of irrita- 
tion he closed the interview, and Hetzer withdrew. 

The evening that followed, Hetzer spent with Wil- 
liam Hermann at the castle. William’s wife, a few 
days before, had given birth to a son, their first child, 
and William announced the fact to Hetzer. 

You can well understand how much of joy the 
event has brought to us here in our home,” he said. 

Strangely enough, however, it has only widened the 


SEVEKER MEASURES 


81 


breach that separates us from those who are nearest and 
dearest to us. The Froschauers have been here, and 
because we declined to have the child baptized they 
returned to Zurich with evident signs of displeasure.’^ 
You may be sure Zwingli will not retreat from the 
position he has taken,” said Hetzer ; and he related to 
William the principal facts concerning his interview 
with Zwingli. 

Zwingli’ s work in opposition to the radicals was 
published near the close of December by Froschauer, 
and efforts were made by Zwingli’ s friends to give it 
the widest circulation possible. Meanwhile Grebel and 
his associates were by no means inactive. Not only in 
Zurich, but in all the villages round about, they con- 
tinued their earnest, self-denying labors, and with 
many tokens of approval on the part of the people. 
The matter of infant baptism was the one to which 
especial consideration was given. 

In a sermon, Megander, one of the pastors in Zu- 
rich, was defending the practice of infant baptism, when 
Jacob Hottinger interrupted him. 

Where in the New Testament do you find this 
doctrine ? ” he asked. 

Megander repeated the words : ^ Suffer little chil- 

dren to come unto me, and forbid them not : for of 
such is the kingdom of God.’ ” 

Yes,” said Hottinger, but the Saviour did not 
say, ^ come unto me to be baptized. ’ ” 

At Zollikon, Br5dli, the pastor of the church, had a 
F 


82 


TRUE TO THE END 


heated discussion with Hausser, an assistant from the 
cathedral in Zurich. The little church was crowded 
with people, and Brodli, in the course of his sermon, 
was considering the unscripturalness of infant baptism. 
Hausser, who had come to Zollikon in connection with 
the circulation of Zvvingli’s new book, was in the 
church, and when Brodli reiterated the statement that 
not a single passage could be found in the New Testa- 
ment in which there was any reference to infant bap- 
tism, Hausser arose and said : 

What about those passages in which the baptism 
of households is mentioned ? 

There are such passages,’^ replied Brodli, but we 
are not told that there were infants in these house- 
holds.’^ 

True,” said Hausser, but you cannot say that in 
these households there were no infants.” 

But I have a right to infer that there were none,” 
said Brddli, for everywhere in the New Testament 
emphasis is laid upon the necessity of faith in Jesus 
Christ in order to baptism. Those who believed and 
gladly received the word were those who were baptized, 
and there is not even the slightest hint that any others 
received the sacral rite. Nothing is clearer than that 
baptism is for believers, and for believers only.” 

But the church directs that infants shall be bap- 
tized,” added Hausser. 

Yes,” replied Brodli, but the question with us is 
whether the Scriptures so direct.” 


SEVERER MEASURES 


83 


I say they do/’ replied Hausser. 

AVell, give us a single passage/’ said Brodli. 

This he failed to do, and, after a brief pause, Brodli 
continued his sermon. 

At the beginning of the new year the general in- 
terest in the matter of infant baptism was such that 
the council deemed it 'best to accede to the wishes of 
the radicals, and have a public discussion. Accord- 
ingly a call was issued for a discussion in the Council 
Hall, in Zurich, January 17, 1525. Grebel desired 
that the discussion should be in writing, and on the 
basis of the Scriptures ; but the members of the Coun- 
cil withheld their assent to this proposal. 

When the announcement of the discussion was made 
in Zurich, it was stated that Hubmeier was to be in- 
vited. Evidently this was an error, or for some rea- 
son the invitation was withheld. Had Hubmeier re- 
ceived an invitation, he would have taken a seat with 
the opponents of Zwingli, and the day before the dis- 
cussion was held he wrote to QEcolampadius, at Schaff- 
hausen, expressing forcibly the objections to infant 
baptism, and he added : I believe, yes, I know, that 
Christianity will not prosper unless baptism and the 
Lord’s Supper are brought back to their original 
purity.” 

The chief opponents of infant baptism at the dis- 
cussion were Grebel, JMantz, and Reublin. Andrew 
Castelberger, Brodli, Hetzer, Blaurock, and Hermann 
were also present. Zwingli was accompanied by the 


84 


TRUE TO THE END 


other Zurich pastors and by members of the council. 
The Council Hall was crowded. Grebel and his asso- 
ciates opened the discussion. They contended that in- 
fants can neither exercise faith nor understand what 
baptism signifies ; that baptism is to be administered 
to believers only, to those to whom the gospel has 
already been preached, who comprehend it, desire to be 
baptized, and purpose henceforth to walk in newness of 
life. Such is the teaching of the Scriptures, to which 
appeal was constantly made. 

Zwingli, on the other hand, insisted that in the 
Christian church infant baptism takes the place of cir- 
cumcision in the Jewish church. When pressed for 
any Scripture warrant for this position he appealed to 
1 Cor. 7 : 14, where Paul speaks of the children of 
Christian parents as holy.’’ 

‘‘But have you rightly interpreted the passage?” 
asked Grebel. “Is not the apostle’s language here 
the strongest possible proof that when Paul wrote 
these words there was no such thing as infant bap- 
tism ? ” 

“ How so ? ” asked Zwingli. 

“ For the reason,” said Grebel, “ that if infant bap- 
tism had then been practised, Paul would certainly 
have referred to the baptism of children as a proof that 
they were holy. Furthermore, if your view of the 
passage is correct, one might appeal to it as teaching 
the baptism of the unconverted husband of a believing 
wife.” 


SEVERER MEASURES 


85 


I have given you my view of the passage/’ said 
Zwingli, somewhat coldly. 

But is your view the right view ? ” asked Grebel. 

Tlie passage clearly proves that the children of 
Christian parents had no closer connection with the 
apostolic church than the unbelieving partners of Chris- 
tians, and we must infer that neither were baptized. 
The fact is/’ said Grebel, infant baptism is not men- 
tioned in the New Testament. No instance of it is re- 
corded there. No allusion is made to its effects. No 
directions are given for its administration. It is not 
a New Testauient ordinance.” 

The members of the council retired for consultation 
at the close of the discussion. When they returned the 
burgomaster announced the decision. The victory, 
he said, was with Zwingli. The mandate would be 
issued later. 

It was evident that the council had determined to 
deal with the matter in no half-hearted way. On the 
morrow the mandate was announced. Those who 
had uubaptized children were required to have them 
baptized during the following week, or be banished. 
The council directed their attention to the leaders of 
the radical party. Grebel, Mautz, and Hermann were 
ordered to abstain from further discussion, while their 
associates, Reublin, Brddli, Hetzer, and Castelberger, 
who were not natives of the canton, were required to 
leave by the close of the following week. Reublin and 
Brddli went to Schaff hausen and Waldshut, Hetzer 


86 


TRUE TO THE END 


returned to Augsburg, while Castelberger, who was in 
delicate health, was allowed to remain in Zurich one 
month, but he was forbidden to hold religious meet- 
ings. 

The mandate of the council concerning unbap- 
tized children was read in the churches throughout 
the canton, but it failed to secure submission to the re- 
pudiated ordinance. In fact, so determined was the 
opposition to it in all quarters that the council hesitated 
to enforce it. It was found that to insist upon its 
enforcement would result in the loss to the canton of 
some of its best citizens. 

What shall we do?’’ said Bertha, when her hus- 
band reported the action of the council in issuing the 
mandate. 

“ I do not think we shall be molested,” he replied. 

Much will be made of the threat of banishment, 
doubtless. Officers of the council will annoy certain 
families, but beyond this nothing will be done, cer- 
tainly at present. The leaders of the movement, how- 
ever, will be made to feel the heavy hand of the civil 
authorities, in the hope that in silencing these, all op- 
position to Zwinglianism will at length disappear.” 

How will it fare with you, then ? ” asked Bertha. 

I cannot say,” he replied. I must obey God 
rather than man, and there I let the matter rest. But 
I shall not do anything rashly.” 

A second mandate, requiring magistrates to arrest 
and imprison pastors who refused to comply with the 


SEVERER MEASURES 


87 


previous mandate, was issued February 1. It was 
also decreed that unless severe illness prevented, chil- 
dren should be brought to the church for baptism as 
soon as they were born. 

When this second mandate was read in the church 
at Wytikon by one of the assistants of the cathedral at 
Zurich, Andrew Grossmann, who had been an ardent 
supporter of Reublin, exclaimed : “ Infant baptism 
hitherto has been a law of the church ; it is now an 
ordinance of the civil power.” 

An officer of the council who was standing near the 
door of the church stepped forward and arrested Gross- 
mann. 

For what?” he asked. 

For defaming the council,” replied the officer. 
And without further words he hurried Grossmann out 
of the church, who was soon on his way to Zurich, 
where he was lodged in the tower. The next day 
Grossmann was brought before the council, but after 
a sharp reprimand was allowed to depart. 


CHAPTER IX 


AN ADDED STEP FORWARD 

R egular religious meetings were now held in 
Zurich by Grebel and his associates. They still 
attended the preaching services in the cathedral or 
other churches, but for the study of the Scriptures, 
and also for prayer and conference, they wished to 
meet by themselves. These meetings were not always 
held at the same place, and for prudential reasons not 
many persons came together at any one time. An 
appointment was made for a meeting, and those to 
whom the notice was carried by trusty messengers, as- 
sembled in such a way as not to attract public atten- 
tion. Usually about forty were present at these gath- 
erings of the brethren. 

Such a meeting, not long after the January discus- 
sion, was held in the house of William Stubner, a silk 
manufacturer, who had been one of the most active 
workers in the reform movement in Zurich from its 
beginning. For a long time he had held with Zwin- 
gli that those who were dissatisfied with tlie develop- 
ment of the reform movement were not only un- 
reasonable, but utterly regardless of consequences. 
At the recent discussion, however, the force of the 
88 


AN ADDED STEP FORWARD 


89 


words of Grebel and those who were in a2:reement 
with him made upon Stubner an impression which he 
could not remove, and he revealed to Mantz his pur- 
pose henceforth to take his place with those who were 
seeking to restore primitive Christianity. 

Stubner’s house was favorably situated for a meet- 
ing of the brethren. It stood in a garden, at some 
distance from the street, and could be approached from 
several directions. 

The reception room of the Stubners was well filled 
with men and women. At the opening of the meet- 
ing Stubner made a statement of the way in which he 
had been led to cast in his lot with the brethren ; and 
he gave a very vivid account of an interview he had 
had with Zwingli immediately after the January dis- 
cussion. 

Even then,’^ said Stubner, it was my hope that 
in some way I still could find myself in agreement 
with Zwingli — I had followed him so long and was 
so much indebted to him as a spiritual leader and 
guide ; but although he fully restated his position, he 
failed to remove the obstacles I had encountered, and 
my convictions of duty were such that I could follow 
him no longer. I told him so, regretfully, as you can 
well understand, and I am now one with you, as is 
also my wife.’’ 

Grebel, who was the leader of the meeting that 
evening, expressed the joy of the brethren in welcom- 
ino: to their ranks a brother and a sister whom God 

o 


90 


TRUE TO THE END 


had led to them by a way that was familiar to many of 
those present. It is not easy to break with men 
whom we have trusted and loved/^ he said, but our 
allegiance to Christ is above that to any earthly 
teacher, however revered ; and if there are losses, — and 
losses there are, — we may be sure that we shall have 
blessed compensations.’^ 

True ! true ! ” was the testimony that came from 
all parts of the room. 

A season of prayer followed. In earnest, simple 
language many of those present lifted their hearts 
heavenward. They prayed for the brethren, under 
whatever circumstances and however widely separated, 
that the word of God might dwell in them richly by 
faith ; that they might be valiant for the truth as loyal 
soldiers of the Lord Jesus Christ; bearing witness to 
the power of the gospel to save and bless. Zwingli 
was not forgotten. Let him not halt in the onward 
march of reform,” was the prayer pf one of the 
brethren. We have regarded him as a chosen 
vessel, as one fitted by divine grace to lead our people 
into the glorious liberty of the sons of God. May 
no influences of a worldly nature hold him back in 
the good work. Enlighten his mind, strengthen his 
heart, and may we all be found united in the great en- 
deavor to upbuild the kingdom of God among men.” 

After this season of prayer, Grebel arose, opened his 
Greek Testament, and addressed the brethren. We 
have been led in the study of God’s word,” he said. 


AN ADDED STEP FORWARD 


91 


to abandon infant baptism as unscriptural. It has 
occurred to you, doubtless, as it has occurred to me, 
that the position we have taken in this matter raises a 
question of duty with reference to ourselves. That 
baptism is a duty there can be no doubt. The Sav- 
iour himself submitted to the ordinance, and made it 
obligatory. Matthew gives the Great Commission as 
follows : Jesus came and spake unto them, saying. 

All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 
Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them 
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the 
Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things what- 
soever I have commanded you ; and lo, I am with you 
alway even unto the end of the world.’ It is a super- 
human work that is demanded of the disciples, a work 
for which all power is requisite, and all power is given. 
The proper subjects of baptism are those who give cred- 
ible evidence that they have been regenerated by the 
Holy Spirit. 

Now, brethren, how is it with ourselves ? We be- 
lieve in the Spirit’s work. We believe that such a 
work has been wrought in our hearts. Have we been 
baptized? This is a question I have asked myself 
again and again of late. I can make only one answer 
— No. My baptism as an unconscious infant does not 
meet the requirements of the Scriptures. Nothing 
done for me by another can take the place of a per- 
sonal confession of allegiance to Christ. Is it not 


92 


TRUE TO THE END 


Grebel paused. Let us pray/’ said Mantz. All 
bowed in prayer before God as Mantz implored the 
presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit. We wish 
to know thy will, O God/’ he said, and knowing thy 
will may we have power to perform it.” 

As the prayer closed, Blaurock arose, and turning to 
Grebel said : 

see it now. The divine command is plain. 
Why should I not obey it here in the presence of these 
witnesses ? Will you baptize me? ” 

Grebel assented. A bowl of water was brought. 

Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ ? ” asked 
Grebel. 

‘‘ I do,” was the answer. 

Blaurock fell upon his knees, and Grebel applying 
water to the candidate, said : I baptize thee in the 
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy 
Spirit,” following the custom with which he had been 
made familiar in the churches. In like manner all 
the rest were baptized by Blaurock. The celebration 
of the Lord’s Supper followed. 

It was a season of spiritual elevation. To the 
members of the little company it seemed as if they 
had been on the mount with the Master himself, and 
they would linger there. 

Just then there was a loud knock at the door. 
What could it mean ? There was no occasion for 
alarm, however ; a belated traveler, seeking the house 
of a friend, had stopped to make inquiry. 


AN ADDED STEP FORWARD 


93 


The brethren now began to separate, leaving the 
house singly or in small groups, and so wending their 
way to their homes. 

You have a long ride,’’ said Stubner to William 
Hermann and his wife, as they were about to leave. 

I suppose nothing would induce you to spend the 
night with us ? ” 

We are glad to have this evening hour in this 
goodly fellowship,” replied Bertha, but you know 
there are those at home who have claims upon us.” 

I see, I see,” said Stubner, the little son has 
claims, and we must let you go.” 

A swift dash over the winter snow soon brought 
William and his wife to the castle, where by a blazing 
fire the baroness was reading Luther’s New Testament. 

An account of the meeting in Stubner’s house was 
carried at once to the brethren in Zollikon, and at their 
request Mantz visited them and administered the ordi- 
nance of baptism. Wytikon, Honng and other neigh- 
boring villages, where the brethren were already nu- 
merous, were also visited and the ordinance adminis- 
tered. . Soon the tidino:s reached Zwingli and the coun- 
cil at Zurich, and it was decided that the strong arm 
of the civil power should be used for the suppression 
of anabaptism, as the act of Grebel and his associates 
was popularly styled. Twenty-four persons in Zolli- 
kon who had refused to have their children baptized 
were arrested and thrown into the Augustinian cloister 
in Zurich. Mantz and Blaurock were also arrested and 


94 


TRUE TO THE END 


imprisoned. The Zollikon brethren were released 
after giving bonds. Mantz and Blaurock, at a sepa- 
rate examination, were questioned at great length con- 
cerning the meeting at Stubner’s house, and also the 
subsequent meeting in Zollikon, and an attempt was 
made to secure from them a promise that they would 
not baptize others; they both refused. February 18, 
it was ordered that Mantz should be released after ob- 
taining bail and payment of costs, and that Blaurock 
should be released after taking an oath of submission 
to the civil authorities. Both declined to accept re- 
lease upon these terms, and after a few days, with 
many admonitions, they were set at liberty. 

Meanwhile Grebel had made his way to Schaff- 
hausen. Beading in his Greek Testament one morn- 
ing, he was impressed with the language of Matthew 
(3 : 16): ^‘And Jesus, when he was baptized, went 
up straightway out of the water.’’ He turned to the 
parallel passage in Mark (1 : 10) and read : Straight- 
way coming up out of the water,” etc. Why out of 
the water ? ” he asked himself. Then he recalled John 
3 : 23, where mention is made of John the Baptist 
as baptizing in Enon near to Salim, because there 
was much water there.” What w^as the act of bap- 
tism in the times of the apostles?” he asked. He 
turned to Acts 8 : 38, And they went dowm both into 
the water, both Philip and the eunuch ; and he bap- 
tized him. And when they were come up out of the 
water the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip.” 


AN ADDED STEP FORWARD 


95 


Was baptism immersion in New Testament times? 
What was the meaning of the word used by the sa- 
cred writers to designate the act of baptism ? Grebel 
turned to his Greek lexicon and found that the word 
signified immersion, and immersion only. This cer- 
tainly meets the requirements of these New Testament 
passages, he said. The Saviour was immersed by John, 
and so came up out of the water. The much water 
at Enon made immersion possible. So Philip and the 
eunuch went down into the water, and came up out of 
the water. Then too, he added, there is Col. 2:12, 
buried with him in baptism,” and Rom. 6 : 4, 
buried with him by baptism.” He paused a mo- 
ment. How appropriate the apostle’s language,” he 
continued. I never understood the significance of 
those passages before.” 

Grebel closed his New Testament. At once the 
thought was flashed through his mind, I have not 
been baptized.” 

For a while he was engaged in silent, profound med- 
itation. 

There was a knock at the door, and Reublin and 
Brodli entered. 

Shall we disturb you ? ” asked the former. 

Not at all,” answered Grebel. I am glad you 
have come. I have been considering a question of 
duty.” 

Do you want our aid ? ” asked Reublin. 

No, good friends, the way is plain,” said Grebel. 


96 


TKUE TO THE END 


Then Grebel related to E-eiiblin and Brodli the re- 
sults of his Scripture study that morning, and together 
they reviewed the passages Grebel had already con- 
sidered, and examined such added passages as occurred 
to one or the other. 

You are right, Grebel,’’ said Reublin and Brodli, at 
length. The wonder is that we did not understand 
this matter before.” 

That evening Grebel, Reublin, and Brodli repaired 
to a secluded spot on the barjks of the Rhine near 
Schaff hausen. Reublin read appropriate passages of 
Scripture. Brodli offered prayer. Then Grebel bap- 
tized Reublin, and Reublin in turn baptized Grebel 
and Brodli. 

A day or two after, Grebel met at Schaff hausen, 
Wolfgang Ulimann, of St. Gall, who had recently 
joined the brethren. Grebel unfolded to him the 
teachings of the Scriptures concerning baptism. It 
was with Ulimann as Avith the eunuch of old. 

See,” he said, here is water ; what doth hinder me 
to be baptized ? ” and as the old chronicler tells us, he 

was drawn under and covered over with the waters of 
the Rhine.” 

A little later, March 20, Mantz and Blaurock, 
Avith some others, Avere asked to meet the Zurich pas- 
tors, ZAvingli, Myconius, and Leo Jud, and six mem- 
bers of the council, for another discussion. They 
accepted the invitation ; but discussion, as Avas eAudent 
Avhen the parties met, Avas not desired. 


AN ADDED STEP FORWARD 


97 


It would be a waste of time/^ said Zwingli, to 
go over the ground we have traversed iu previous dis- 
cussions. What we wish to know is whether you will 
retract the views you have recently advanced, and cease 
these disorganizing efforts, the disastrous effects of 
which are already so apparent.’^ Some of the mem- 
bers of the council also urged retraction, and suggested 
that otherwise severer measures would certainly be 
adopted. A few of the brethren at length made known 
their willingness to yield, but Mantz, Blaurock, and the 
rest — ^twenty-one in all — refused to silence their con- 
victions and were thrown into prison. 

The prison was an old structure on one of the side 
streets of Zurich. It was in a filthy condition, also 
damp, cold, and uncomfortable in every way, and the 
sufferings of the prisoners were many and severe. 
But they bore them heroically, and the walls of the 
prison often resounded with hymns written by Mantz ‘ 
and Blaurock for the encouragement and comfort of 
their associates. 

One evening after a service of prayer and praise, the 
sound of a small stone thrown against a window pane 
in the rear of the prison attracted the attention of the 
prisoners. The windows were barred with iron, but 
the sash could be raised, and when the throwing of the 
stone was repeated a second and a third time, Mantz 
went to the window, raised the sash, and a small piece 
of iron, to which a string was attached, was thrown 
into the prison. Drawing up the string Mantz found 
G 


98 


TRUE TO THE END 


at the other end a chisel with a note attached. There 
was no light in the prison, and the prisoners had no 
means of making a light. The chisel was at once con- 
cealed, and with the first light of the morning the note 
was read. It was unsigned, and contained only the 
words, ^^Be ready at two oklock in the morning 
April 5. Hope will be provided.^^ This was April 
4. An examination of the window in the rear of the 
buildino^ throusch which the note was received showed 
that it would not be a difficult task to loosen, with the 
chisel, the stones in which the iron bars were fastened. 
It was found that it would be necessary to remove only 
two of the bars. Careful study of methods was made 
during the day, but the work itself was not commenced 
until evening when the usual praise service was held. 
This, that evening, was somewhat prolonged, and the 
tones of the singers were full and strong, as the workers 
loosened the stones. The task was at length success- 
fully accomplished, and the prisoners retired, though 
not to sleep. Slowly the hours of the night wore away. 
The watchman in the street in front of the prison called 
the hour of midnight, and at last one o^clock. A lit- 
tle before two the loosened stones were quietly removed 
together with the iron bars, and when the watchman 
called two o’clock and had passed down the street, a 
small stone was thrown against the window in the rear 
of the prison as on the night before. Mantz raised 
the sash, lowered the string, and immediately drew up 
a coil of rope some one had attached to it. The rope 


AN ADDED STEP FORWARD 


99 


was strongly fastened to one of the remaining bars of 
the window, and all was in readiness for the exit. 

The prisoners had been numbered, and number two 
was instructed to remain at the window until number 
one had reached the ground. Then he was to follow 
and number three was to take his place at the window 
and so on until the twenty-one had left the prison. 
Mantz was the first to test the rope. He reached the 
ground safely. In a whisper came the inquiry : 

Is not this Mantz ? It was William Hermann. 

It is,’’ was the reply. 

Make your way to the castle,” he said. I will 
follow when I have directed the rest of the brethren to 
places of safety.” 

One after another the prisoners quietly descended to 
the ground, and soon all were on their way to the 
various places of refuge provided for them. 

Only two were recaptured. These had lingered in 
the neighborhood of Zurich in order to settle some im- 
portant business matters ; but their places of conceal- 
ment became known, and before their arrangements 
were completed, they were re-arrested and returned to 
the prison from which they had made their escape. 


CHAPTER X 


AT ST. GALL 


HE action of the Zurich Council in banishing the 



J- Anabaptists contributed to the spread of the new 
doctrines. Forthwith they went everywhere preach- 
ing the word. The times were favorable for such a 
movement. It was the era of the Peasants’ War. 
Among the common people there was uneasiness, dis- 
content ; and the thought was present in many minds 
that the Reformation meant the bringing in not only 
of better hopes, but of better times for the down- 
trodden and the oppressed. The earnest, evangelical 
spirit of the Anabaptists, which was everywhere 
recognized, also aided the movement. The gospel 
story they loved to tell, and they told it in such a way 
that the heart and conscience were reached and stirred. 
In all of their services the reading of the Bible had a 
prominent place. Those who had freely received, 
would freely give ; and so the sacred Scriptures were 
magnified and their lessons of faith and hope and love 
were repeated and commended. Much was made also 
of Christian experience. God’s dealings with his chil- 
dren in these last days were recalled, and from them 
words of comfort and encouragement were derived. 


AT ST. GALL 


101 


Wolfgang Ulimann, after his baptism by Grebel at 
SchafiFhauseu, set out at once on his return to St. Gall. 
It was as if he had heard the words of his Master, 
Return to thine own house and show them how great 
things God hath done unto thee.’’ Two days were re- 
quired for the journey. At the close of the first day 
Ulimann reached Constance. With some of the 
brethren in this place he was already acquainted, and 
to the house of one of them, Henry Rosenbaum, he 
made his way at once on his arrival in the town. 

You are welcome,” said Rosenbaum, in a low tone 
of voice, as he took Ulimann by the hand ; but re- 
member that even the walls in these days have eyes 
and ears. One of our brethren was arrested yesterday 
and thrown into prison. Others will doubtless follow 
if any occasion for legal proceedings can be found. It 
is evident that the authorities here have decided to 
show us no favor whatever.” 

Their hostility shortly will doubtless be manifested 
even more strongly,” said Ulimann, and then he made 
known the facts concerning his baptism at Schalf hausen. 

Anabaptism, we may be sure, will become a war- 
cry with our opponents, and we shall learn very soon 
what it is to suffer persecution for Jesus’ sake.” 

The situation was still further considered during the 
evening, and in the morning Ulimann continued his 
journey toward St. Gall. 

The Anabaptist movement in St. Gall had already 
obtained a strong foothold. Laurence Hochriitiner, 


102 


TRUE TO THE END 


when banished from Zurich, in 1523, on account of his 
participation in the destruction of the great cross at 
Stadelhofen, made his way to St. Gall, his native place. 
Here he gathered around him in a short time a goodly 
number of his old acquaintances, and interested them 
in the new movement. Their numbers increased dur- 
ing the following year, one or two visits of Grebel, 
whose sister was the wife of Vadian, the burgomaster 
of St. Gall, aiding in awaking attention to the princi- 
ples which the Anabaptists sought to promulgate. 

It was just at the close of the day that Ulimann 
reached St. Gall. As he passed along the street toward 
his home, he met Hochriitiner, who asked : 

What do you bring that is new ? 

I can not tell you here and now,’’ replied Uli- 
mann. Call the brethren together at your home this 
evening, and I shall have some important matters to 
communicate.” 

A notice was at once sent to all the brethren in the 
place, and at the usual hour for evening service there 
was a large gathering in Hochriitiner’s house. 

After a hymn and prayer, Ulimann addressed the 
brethren. 

First,” he said, I have an experience ; ” and he 
went on to relate the facts connected with his meeting 
with Grebel at Schaff hausen and his subsequent bap- 
tism. 

^^From the time I became interested in the reform 
movement,” he said in the course of his statement, I 


AT ST. GALL 


103 


have sought first of all to know the will of God as in- 
dicated in the Scriptures. In this way I have gone for- 
ward, step by step, as the path has been made plain before 
me. When now I saw — and I saw it clearly — that I 
had not received the one baptism of Christ and the 
apostles, I hastened to follow in the footsteps of my 
Lord. I wish I could find words with which ade- 
quately to express my joy in being buried with Christ 
in baptism. I now know, as I never knew before, the 
meaning of the words recorded concerning the eunuch, 
‘And he went on his way rejoicing.’ Two things, I 
conceive, contributed to this joy : the first was the 
eunuch’s joy in believing, and the second was his joy 
in obedience. I w^as a believer already, but an act of 
obedience remained unperformed. I had not been bap- 
tized. With that act done, in the manner already nar- 
rated, I too went on my w^ay rejoicing, hastening home 
to give you this chapter from my experience. 

“ And now^,” he added, “ I wish to go over with 
you the teachings of Scripture with reference to bap- 
tism, in the hope that you will see this matter as I 
now see it.” And so, beginning wdth the account of 
John’s baptism, he read and commented upon the pas- 
sages in the New Testament relating to the act, the 
significance, and the duty of baptism. 

“ I marvel,” said Hochriitiner, as Ulimann sat 
down at the close of his remarks, “ that this testimony 
of the Scriptures has not impressed us all before. 
That it has not, is unquestionably due to the fact that 


104 


TRUE TO THE END 


other matters have engrossed our attention. Indeed 
this whole movement is one in which progress has been 
made only step by step. At the outset we w^ere en- 
tirely unfamiliar with the word of God. We were 
blinded too, by erroneous teachings. Accordingly only 
slowly have the scales fallen from our eyes. But they 
have fallen now ; at least I can speak for myself, and 
I too must be baptized. 

Others expressed a like wish to follow Christ in 
baptism. 

It was at length decided that Ulimann sliould record 
the names of those who desired to be baptized. 

Grebel will be here in a day or two,’’ said Uli- 
mann, and an arrangement can then be made for a 
baptismal service.” 

The fact that Ulimann had been immersed by Grebel 
at SchaflPhausen was the theme of conversation in St. 
Gall on the following day. 

Kessler, the pastor of the Zwinglian Church in St. 
Gall, called on Vadian at an early hour. The burgo- 
master w^as a man whose counsel he valued not only 
because of his official position, but because of his in- 
tegrity of character and his steadfast adherence to the 
reformed faith. 

^^Have you heard the news?” asked Kessler, as 
the burgomaster cordially greeted him. 

Yes,” replied Vadian, and I am not surprised at 
what I hear. You know how earnestly I have en- 
deavored to hold Grebel back in the course he is fol- 


AT ST. GALL 


105 


lowing, but one might as well attempt to hold back an 
avalanche on one of our Alpine slopes.^^ 

But what shall we do ? asked Kessler. This 
means more than division, it means separation.^^ 

^^True,^^ replied Vadian. I hear that Grebel is 
expected at St. Gall in a day or two, and that there 
are those who will receive baptism at his hands.’^ 
‘^The same report has reached me,’’ said Kessler, 
and I am in doubt as to the proper course to pursue. 
The piety of these people no one can question. They 
are honest, sincere Christians. Shall I oppose them 
because I do not agree with them ? ” 

‘^Opposition,” said Vadian, “wdll only help the 
movement. I will have an interview with Grebel, as 
soon as he arrives, and possibly another appeal to him 
may have a better result than my appeals hitherto. 
At all events, I shall have discharged what I regard as 
a duty.” 

Grebel reached St. Gall on the following day, and 
at once proceeded to Vadian’s house. He had always 
been a favorite with Vadian, and the burgomaster gave 
him an affectionate greeting. 

“I had heard of your proposed visit,” he said, 
“and your sister Martha already has your room in 
readiness. Here she is now,” he added, as Vadian’s 
wife entered the room. As she advanced to meet her 
brother she said : 

“ We are glad to see you, Conrad ; you are always 
welcome.” 


103 


TRUE TO THE END 


I was afraid it might be otherwise at this time/’ 
replied Grebel. course io recent years I know 

has not pleased either you or the burgomaster, and I 
am afraid that instead of coming nearer together we 
are drifting farther and farther apart.” 

But must it be so?” asked Yadian. ^^You 
have talents that fit you for great usefulness in life. 
From your earliest years you have had the best of ad- 
vantasces. Your instructors in the universities at 
Vienna and Paris have recognized your ability and learn- 
ing. There are few young men in Switzerland whose 
prospects for the future have seemed as bright as yours. 
But the radical views you have developed during the 
past two years have well-nigh destroyed those prospects. 
They certainly will destroy them unless you listen to 
the advice of Zwingli and other friends and change 
your course.” 

^^You ask what is impossible,” replied Grebel. 
^^As you know, from the beginning of the reform 
movement I have had no other desire than to stand at 
Zwingli’s side and labor with him. But I can do 
nothing against the truth. From Zwingli I received 
those principles that have influenced me most strongly. 
He it was who taught me to make the Scriptures my 
guide. But because I have followed the Scriptures, 
Zwingli has turned against me, and he now invokes 
the strong arm of the civil power to suppress the 
truth and to compel submission to his views.” 

But you, and others in agreement with you, have 


AT ST. GALL 


107 


driven him to this course/’ said Vadian. You are 
imperilling the reform movement.” 

It seems so to Zwingli, I know/’ replied Grebel. 

I have discussed this point with him again and 
again ; but I cannot believe that the success of this 
movement is to be secured by setting aside the plain 
teachings of the word of God. Christ is King, and 
we may safely follow where he leads the way.” 

But remember,” added Vadian, that you are in- 
volving others as well as yourself. You have a Avife 
and children. Their happiness and well-being are 
concerned. Your father, now well advanced in years, 
is greatly grieved by the course you have taken, and 
so also are your sisters. Should not your regard for 
them lead you at least to hesitate in your course in 
order to make a further search for indications of the 
will of God?” 

Grebel took his New Testament from his pocket 
and read Matt. 10 : 37 : He that loveth father or 
mother more than me is not worthy of me : and he 
that loveth son or daughter more than me is not 
Avorthy of me.” And he added Luke 18 : 29, 30, 
Avhere the Saviour refers to those Avho have left par- 
ents, or brethren, or wife, or children for the king- 
dom of God’s sake.” 

Yes,” replied Vadian, ^ for the kingdom of God’s 
sake.’ But is it not just here that you are in error? ” 

If Ave folloAV the Scriptures,” said Grebel, Ave 
cannot be in error.” 


108 


TRUE TO THE END 


“ But are you sure that you are following the Scrip- 
tures?^^ asked Vadian. 

I know that to err is human/^ replied Grebel. 

But in this matter I have sought divine help. My 
only desire has been to know the right and then to do 
the right. I must follow my convictions of duty.^’ 
Vadian saw that further discussion was useless. 
^^How much I have loved you, you know,’^ he 
said, and I shall not cease to love you, however we 
may differ. May God have you constantly in his 
keeping. Make your home with us whenever you 
find it convenient. You will always be welcome.’^ 
^‘And I have always loved you,’^ said Grebel. 

Your kindness and generosity I can never forget. 
It is my wish not to embarrass you in any way ; and 
I have already accepted an invitation to make my home 
with Ulimann during the few days I shall be in St. 
Gall.’^ 

But’’ — said Vadian. 

Make no objection,” interrupted Grebel. You 
are not only my brother-in-law, but the burgomaster 
of St. Gall.” 

Grebel could not be persuaded to change his plans, 
and after some further conversation with reference to 
family concerns, he said he had an engagement with 
some of the brethren and withdreAV. 

The candidates for baptism met Saturday evening 
at Ulimann’s house, Avhere they related their experiences 
in the presence of Grebel and others. Arrangements 


AT ST. GALL 


109 


were then made for the administration of the ordi- 
nance on the following day, which was Palm Sun- 
day. A more beautiful day could not have been de- 
sired. Its warmth and brightness were all the more 
welcome for the reason that, as there was in St. Gall 
only a mountain stream, not deep enough for immer- 
sion, it was necessary to have the baptism in the 
Sitter, a river about three miles distant. 

The time appointed for the baptism was nine 
o’clock in the morning, and at an early hour crowds 
of people Avere on their way to the place designated. 
All gathered at the water-side. A hymn, written by 
Reublin, was sung, Ulimann offered a fervent prayer 
for the Saviour’s presence and blessing, and then 
Grebel, opening his New Testament, read passages refer- 
ring to the baptism of Christ, also of the eunuch, to- 
gether with other passages concerning baptism, closing 
with the Great Commission as recorded by Matthew. A 
brief address followed. Having spoken of the design 
of baptism, and of baptism as an institution of divine 
appointment, Grebel said : These friends are here in 
obedience to the Saviour’s example and command. 
They wish to be buried with him in baptism, and so 
to make a confession of their faith in him. The Lord 
bless to us all the lessons and the experiences of this 
hour.” 

Grebel then led the candidates down into the water, 
one after the other, and baptized them. Some of the 
spectators were so much impressed by the administra- 


110 


TRUE TO THE END 


tion of the ordinance that they asked to be received as 
candidates at once ; and after a brief examination they 
were baptized. 

A prayer by Grebel closed the solemn service, and 
then the company returned to St. Gall, where a meet- 
ing was held in the afternoon, and also in the evening 
at Ulimann’s house. At the afternoon meeting a church 
was organized, and from that time the brethren in St. 
Gall withdrew from the churches with which hitherto 
they had been connected. 


CHAPTER XI 


AT WALDSHUT 



FTER the escape of the brethren from the Zurich 


prison early in the morning of April 5, 1525, 
William Hermann returned to the castle, where Mantz 
awaited him in the library. 

I have been thinking over the situation,’’ Mantz 
said, after a few inquiries concerning the other pris- 
oners, and I think it would be best to seek some re- 
moter place of concealment.” 

Give yourself no uneasiness,” said his host ; even 
if the officers of the council should make their way 
hither, as they doubtless will on the morrow, I have a 
place of concealment where you will be as safe as if a 
a thousand miles away.” 

But what answer will you make to the questions 
the officers will be sure to ask ? ” answered Mantz. 

Certainly your embarrassment will be less if I seek 
refuge elsewhere.” 

Leave me out of the question, I beg of you.” 

I cannot,” Mantz answered, nor is it necessary. 
It will be easy for me to make my way to some place 
of safety beyond the limits of the canton, and the 
sooner I start the better.” 


Ill 


112 


TRUE TO THE END 


^^Very well/^ Hermann replied. The scattering 
of the members of the early church by persecution was 
God^s way of enlarging the boundaries of the new king- 
dom. It may be that the scattering of the brethren 
now is for a like purpose. We will hope for the best.’’ 

The preparations for Mantz’s departure were hur- 
riedly made, and a little before sunrise, disguised as a 
peasant, he left the castle and took a by-road into the 
country, with which he was perfectly familiar. 

About the middle of the forenoon a party of offi- 
cers, in search of the escaped prisoners, appeared at 
the castle. William Hermann met them, but told 
them they might as well look farther. None of the 
men you seek are here,” he said. 

The officers were not satisfied with this statement, 
however, and commenced a very thorough search of 
the castle in all its parts. The result was unsatisfac- 
tory, and they at length took their departure. 

On the following day Hermann received a letter from 
Hubmeier, who wrote : 

There has been a most gratifying change in affairs 
here. Since my return from Schaff hausen the evan- 
gelical movement has made considerable progress. In 
place of the baptism of children, I have adopted a 
dedicatory service. The members of the church are 
called together, and when the child is brought in, I 
expound in the German language the words of Mat- 
thew’s Gospel, ^ There were then brought unto him 
little children,’ etc. Afterward, when the child has 
been named, the congregation, kneeling, pray for the 


AT WALDSHUT 


113 


little one, commending it to Christ, and imploring his 
grace upon it. If, however, the parents are weak and 
desire the child baptized as they themselves were bap- 
tized in infancy, I baptize it, becoming weak to the 
weak, until they shall be better informed. At the 
same time I do not yield my own views in the small- 
est point. I am not at all sure that the course I have 
adopted will have your approval. Let me hear from 
you. 

With this letter came another from a friend in 
Muhlhausen, informing Hermann that a matter of busi- 
ness in which Hermann was interested required his per- 
sonal attention in the near future. He read these 
letters to Bertha and the baroness. 

Let us all go,’^ said Bertha. We can take in 
A¥aldshut on the way to Muhlhausen. For some time 
I have had a strong desire to see Hubmeier, you have 
made us so well acquainted with him ; and mother 
was saying only a few days ago she wished she could 
see the friends in Muhlhausen. A journey at this 
season of the year will be a delightful one.’’ 

The baroness suggested that as things were in Zurich 
just at that time, such a journey would be the best 
thing possible. 

And this means that we shall take our little Ed- 
ward with us ? ” said William. 

Of course,” replied Bertha. 

The journey was to begin on Monday, the day after 
Palm Sunday. 

H 


114 


TRUE TO THE END 


It was a delightful April morning as the party left 
the castle. The melody of song-birds filled the air, 
and the warm sunshine, wakening into life the powers 
of nature, flooded field and forest with its welcome 
rays. A guest-house, about half-way to Waldshut, 
proved so attractive that it was decided to go no 
farther that day. After supper, just at dusk, young 
Hermann and his wife strolled down the road, enjoying 
the balmy air of the opening season. A peasant at 
length passed them. William hardly noticed him at 
first, but a suggestion in some way was flashed upon 
his mind, and he whispered to Bertha, I believe it is 
Mantz.” 

Turning quickly and hastening their steps, they 
soon came up with the passer-by. 

Have we not met before ? asked Hermann. 

There was only a look, and then came the answer : 

AVe have, I am glad to say.^’ 

It was Mantz, who said he had found some difficulty 
in avoiding the Zurich officers, but by traveling that 
night he hoped to get beyond the boundaries of the 
canton. He had not met any of his fellow-prisoners. 
Hermann made known to him his own plans, and after 
some further conversation Mantz continued his journey. 

During the night Hermann was awakened by loud 
talking under his window, the casement of which 
stood open. Looking out he saw a party of horsemen, 
and as he listened to the conversation he found that 
their inquiries had reference to a peasant whom they 


AT WALDSHUT 


115 


were seeking, and who had been seen the preceding 
evening on the road that passed the inn. 

We are too late, I fear,^^ said the leader of the 
party to one of his companions, as they rode away in 
the darkness. 

I think you are,^’ said Hermann to himself, as he 
left the window. 

The next morning the journey was resumed, the 
Rhine at length was reached, and before noon the 
party was transferred to the Waldshut shore in a ferry 
boat. Pleasant rooms were secured at the Golden 
Lion Inn, and after dinner William Hermann called 
on Hubmeier. 

This is a delightful surprise,’’ said Hubmeier, as 
he warmly greeted his young friend. ^^Reublin is 
here, and is attracting large congregations, preaching 
every evening. To-night he will consider the duty of 
a personal confession of faith in baptism, which he 
holds is immersion, and immersion only, according to 
the teachings of the New Testament. I have not 
given much attention to the matter as yet, but some of 
the brethren here have already received baptism at his 
hands.” 

Have you talked with him concerning the matter 
you mentioned in your recent letter to me ? ” 

^^Oh, yes,” replied Hubmeier, but he does not 
agree with me, and insists that my action is a conces- 
sion which cannot but prove harmful.” 

So it seems to me,” said Hermann. Baptism is 


116 


TRUE TO THE END 


an act in which the believer in Christ makes public 
confession of his faith. These parents, who ask you 
to baptize their children, do so because they imagine 
that in some way through baptism divine grace is im- 
parted to the recipient. In this they are in error, and 
you tell them so, yet by acceding to their request you 
not only weaken your own declaration, but you aid in 
perpetuating an institution that is unscriptural and 
misleading.^’ 

I see your point,” said Hubmeier. Doubtless I 
have given the matter too little attention. We will 
consider it further later. Can you not take supper 
with me?” 

My wife and my mother, also my little son, are 
with me at the Golden Lion,” replied the young father. 

One purpose I had in calling was to see if you would 
not take supper with us.” 

Gladly,” replied Hubmeier. It will give me 
pleasure to call upon the ladies at an early hour. I 
have one or two engagements, and then you will see 
me.” 

Hubmeier reached the liotel a little before five 
o’clock. Hermann and his family received him in a 
pleasant room overlooking the waters of the Rhine 
and the fertile slopes beyond. A delightful hour was 
spent in conversation before supper was announced. 
The simple and unaffected piety of Hubmeier was ap- 
parent in all he said as he talked concerning his work 
in Waldshut and his efforts in behalf of the reformed 


AT WALDSHUT 


117 


faith. After supper all went to the church where 
Eeublin was to preach. 

I like the man/^ said Hubmeier, and his preach- 
ing is certainly very elfective.’’ 

The church was thronged, but Hubmeier at length 
secured seats for his friends. The devotional services 
were conducted by Hubmeier. Eeublin, in his ser- 
mon, first asked. What is Christian baptism ? and in 
his answer referred to the significance of the word 
used in the New Testament to designate the act, and 
also the testimony derived from the frequent references 
to baptism by the sacred writers. He also considered 
briefly the symbolism of baptism indicated by the 
words buried with Christ,” risen with Christ.” In 
closing he earnestly presented the duty of the indi- 
vidual believer with reference to baptism. 

While Eeublin’ s forceful words were still lingering 
in the ears of his audience, Hubmeier rose. Eeublin 
is unquestionably right,” he said. Nothing can be 
plainer than that immersion w'as the primitive act of 
baptism. In the change that has been introduced, 
largely during the past three centuries, baptism has 
been robbed of its primitive significance. The ordi- 
nance as it was left to us by the Master himself should 
be restored. The duty too, which Eeublin has urged, 
I acknowledge, and I am ready to follow in the foot- 
steps of my Lord. Next Sunday is Easter Sunday. 
I am reminded of the fact that in the early church it 
was the custom to administer the ordinance of baptism 


118 


TRUE TO THE END 


on that day ; for as Christ rose from the dead, so in 
baptism the believer rises to newness of life. Can we 
not have a baptismal service next Sunday ? Indeed 
are there not in this house many whose convictions are 
as strong as my own ? Will all those who desire to 
be baptized on a profession of faith in Jesus Christ, 
make it known to me here this evening, or as soon as 
the decision is made ? 

In closing the service, Reublin poured out his heart 
in a fervent prayer of thanksgiving and praise. Then 
he grasped Hubmeier’s hand. I felt sure,’^ he said, 

that you would soon be with us. God has graciously 
given you to us to be a leader of his flock. Your 
abilities and learning fit you for the more distinguished 
service in the reform movement. We shall be glad 
to follow you in so far as you follow Christ. The 
Lord bless you and make you a blessing to the 
brethren here and everywhere.’’ 

Hubmeier had no opportunity for reply. From all 
parts of the house the people were pressing forward to 
signify their desire for baptism. Young Hermann 
and his wife and mother were among them. We 
wish to join you,” said Hermann. Something 
seemed to draw us together, and I understand it now. 
Our plans do not require that we should at once pro- 
ceed on our journey, and we will remain in Waldshut 
over Sunday.” 

Others also during the week offered themselves for 
baptism on Sunday. Such an Easter Sunday Waldshut 


AT WALDSHUT 


119 


had never known. There was an early service in the 
church, with a sermon by Hubmeier from the words, 
Risen with Christ.^^ All hearts were profoundly 
stirred as the preacher recalled the facts connected with 
Christ’s resurrection, and the significance of that event 
to the Christian disciple. 

The baptismal service followed. All Waldshut, so 
to speak, gathered on the banks of the Rhine with the 
candidates, one hundred and ten in number. Reublin 
opened the service with a brief address. Nothing,” 
he said, could be more fitting on an Easter Sunday 
than such a scene. Joy fills all our hearts, and we 
may well believe that there is joy also in the presence 
of the angels, the joy of the Saviour himself as he 
looks down upon these, his followers, who are to be 
buried with him in baptism. Many of them have 
been believers in Christ two, and even threescore years ; 
some for a shorter period ; but all wish to make a 
public confession of their faith in the way appointed 
by the Master himself.” 

Then Reublin read an appropriate selection of Scrip- 
ture and offered prayer. A hymn, which he had 
written for the occasion, was now sung. Sweetly the 
notes of the holy song filled the air. The baptism 
followed. First, Hubmeier was led down into the 
water and baptized, and he then assisted Reublin in 
the baptism of the other candidates. The benediction 
by Hubmeier closed the solemn service. 

That afternoon a church was organized. Those who 


120 


TRUE TO THE END 


liad been baptized on that day, or earlier, covenanted 
together to take the Bible as their only rule of faith 
and practice, and to be governed by its teachings. Tlie 
Lord’s Supper followed. Nothing could have been 
more tender than Hubmeier’s address in connection 
with this service. ' He referred first of all to the way 
in which he came to Waldshut as a religious teacher, 
and rehearsed some of his experiences in connection 
with his ministry. I do not know,” he said, what 
the future has in store for me. I am aware that our 
adversaries are numerous and strong. But I hear a 
voice saying, ^ This is the way, walk ye in it,’ and I 
must obey the voice even if it leads me to prison and 
to death. May we all be faithful to our Master and 
so obtain the crown.” 

The solemnity with which these words were spoken 
made a deep impression upon all present. 

At the evening service Beublin preached. His ser- 
mon was a forcible presentation of truth from the 
words, That I may be found in him.” At the close 
of the sermon Hubmeier addressed the congregation. 
He said that since the baptism in the morning he had 
been asked by many when there would be another op- 
portunity for a public confession of faith, and he 
desired all those who wished to make such a confession 
to leave their names with him. Many came to him 
that evening and on the following days, to which, as 
was the custom, the Easter festival was prolonged, and 
during that week he baptized more than three hundred 


AT WALDSHUT 


121 


of his former flock. To many the events of the week 
recalled the record in the Acts of the Apostles when 
there were added to the church in Jerusalem daily such 
as were being saved. 

William Hermann and his family remained in 
Waldshut during this season of ingathering, sharing 
in the joy that filled Hubmeier’s heart. Then they 
continued their journey. 


CHAPTER XII 


FACING DUTY 

rpiDINGS concerning William Hermann's baptism 
J- at Waldshut, and also of the baptism of his wife 
and mother, reached Ziirich not long after Easter. 
From many places within the canton of Zurich also, 
baptisms were reported, furnishing unmistakable evi- 
dence of the rapid growth of the new movement. 

At a meeting of the Council of Zurich, at which 
many of these reports were received, the burgomaster 
suggested a conference with Zwingli. 

I confess,’’ he said, that I find it difficult to de- 
cide as to the best course to be pursued with reference 
to these people. Persecution does not lessen but in- 
creases their numbers. These reports that reach us do 
not tell the whole story, I am confident. I have rea- 
son to know that in many other places in the canton 
the Anabaptists have obtained a very strong hold. 
We have a serious business on our hands.” 

The council approved the burgomaster’s suggestion, 
and Zwingli soon appeared in the council chamber. 

It was evident that the reformer was impressed with 
the gravity of the situation. The shadow upon his 
countenance betokened a disturbed and troubled mind. 

In behalf of the council the burgomaster thanked 
122 


FACING DUTY 


123 


Zwingli for the promptness with which he had acceded 
to their wishes. Reports/^ he said, concerning the 
spread of Anabaptism throughout the canton have 
doubtless reached you as well as the council. The 
message which these gospelers preach seems to find 
willing hearers on every hand. As yet our efforts for 
the suppression of the Anabaptists have succeeded only 
in extending the movement by scattering its leaders 
and principal workers. I am in doubt as to the course 
we ought to pursue. It is my impression, however, 
that severer measures must be adopted. We need, it 
seems to me, to strike at once a swift, decisive blow. 
What say you, Zwingli ? 

Zwingli counselled moderation. The Anabap- 
tists,’’ he said, are a pious. God-fearing people. 
They are in error, it is true, but they are acting con- 
scientiously. I admit that our efforts to induce them 
to abandon their errors have not been successful. The 
fever must have its run. Let us not be impatient, 
therefore. The time for severer measures may come, 
but it has not yet come, I am sure.” 

The discussion was a prolonged and earnest one. It 
was finally agreed that the course hitherto pursued 
should be continued, at least for the present. 

After leaving Waldshut, and during his stay in 
Southern Germany, Willian; Hermann found himself 
frequently confronted with a question of duty concern- 
ing his brethren with whom he was now connected by 
the most sacred ties. In fact as he was leaving Wald- 


124 


TEUE TO THE END 


shut, it had been suggested to him by Hubmeier' that 
Switzerland evidently had need of him. 

Leaders are wanted,^ ^ said Hubmeier, ^^and I ex- 
pect much from you.’^ He said no more, but the 
words were not forgotten. 

One day while they were still in Southern Ger- 
many, Bertha found her husband in deep meditation. 

Something is troubling yoii,^^ she said. Tell me 
what it is.’^ 

It is a question of duty,^^ answered William. 

On our return home what attitude shall I take as to 
religious matters in the canton ? Indeed is it best for 
us to return just now? Would it not be the part of 
wisdom for us to remain where we are until the storm 
that threatens has spent its force ? 

Possibly, if w^e should consult our OAvn interests,’^ 
replied Bertha. But wliat of our brethren wLo need 
all the help they can receive? Furthermore, you 
would not think of such a course for a moment, if you 
stood alone. You are thinking of your family and 
the duty you owe to them, and hence this troubled 
look. Am I not right ? 

I hope I am not forgetful of my loved ones,’^ he 
replied. My first duty is to them.’^ 

As unselfish as ever,’^ added Bertha ; but why 
should not I as well as you make sacrifices for the 
kingdom of God’s sake ? I would not keep you back 
from any path that seems to you the path of duty ; 
nor would your mother. Indeed, in referring to this 


•r 


4 



•• 






4 ! 




1 




“They arrived at the castle about the middle of May.” 


True to the End 


Page 125 



FACING DUTY 


125 


very matter yesterday, when we were talking of our 
return home, she said we must expect troublous times, 
and that w^e shall be called to make sacrifices as well 
as others/’ 

^^You always help me,” said William, as Bertha 
bent over and kissed him. I wished to aid my 
brethren. I am interested in them and for them. 
But even more am I interested in and for my loved 
ones ; and so you found me here tossed up and down 
by the consideration of conflicting duties. The con- 
flict is over. Your noble spirit inspires me with the 
hope of doing something for the advancement of our 
cause. We will go home. The guiding hand of our 
Heavenly Father, I am sure, will not be wanting.” 

William Hermann and his family arrived at the 
castle about the middle of May. During their absence 
the advancing season had decked the landscape with 
added glories, and as Bertha stood on the broad 
veranda before entering the castle, and looked out 
over the beautiful scene with which she was so familiar, 
she said to her husband : 

Could anything be more restful ? The peace of 
God is everywhere,” and she added, H will lift up 
mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my 
help.’ ” 

‘^How often,” said William, ^Ghese same words 
have been in my thoughts as I have looked out over 
the fields to yonder mountains ; ” and he completed the 
quotation : ^ My help cometh from the Lord which 


126 


TRUE TO THE END 


made heaven and earth.’ The everlasting hills lift 
one up into the very presence of the almighty 
Helper.” 

Among the letters received not long after his return 
to the castle, was one from St. Gall, written by Uli- 
maun. Grebel, he said, had asked him to keep Her- 
mann informed concerning the progress of affairs in St. 
Gall. He was glad to be able to communicate good 
news. The church in St. Gall now numbered more 
than five hundred members. Brethren from Zollikon 
had aided in the work, and new members were being 
added to the church daily. Vadian and Kessler con- 
tinued their opposition to the movement, and it was 
understood that they had appealed to Zwingli to aid 
them in suppressing it. We do not expect that we 
shall be left to pursue our work unmolested much 
longer,” added Ulimann, in closing, but when and 
where the stroke will fall is unknown.” 

Suppose I make the brethren in St. Gall a visit,” 
said William to Bertha, as he laid the letter upon the 
library table. This is not a call for help, and yet I 
may be able to be of some slight service to the brethren.” 

Bertha approved the suggestion. A few days were 
employed in the arrangement of some business matters, 
and early in the morning on the first of June, he set 
out for St. Gall. He reached the town late in the 
evening and sought refreshment and rest at the public 
house. The next morning after breakfast he called on 
Ulimann. 


FACING DUTY 


127 


Ulimann received him with hearty expressions of 
welcome. Nothing could be more opportune/^ he 
said. The Zollikon friends have returned home, and 
the burden again rests upon my shoulders. I am not 
equal to the task. You must take my place, at least 
for a few days.^^ 

^^You ask too much,” replied William Hermann. 

I cannot take your place. I am not accustomed to 
public address.” 

I only ask that you shall be a witness,” said 
Ulimann. ^^Tell the gospel story. You will find 
willing hearers, and I am sure God will bless your 
endeavor to glorify his name.” 

When do you have your next service ? ” he asked. 

This evening,” answered Ulimann. We meet 
in a grove just outside of the town.” 

Hermann promised to consider the matter. I wish 
to be useful,” he added ; that is all I can say now.” 

And that is all I ask,” replied Ulimann. I 
feel sure that we shall have your help. You did not 
come unsent.” 

Ulimann invited Hermann to make his house his 
home while in St. Gall. That afternoon a German 
merchant reached St. Gall bringing tidings of the de- 
feat of Thomas Munzer. For some time Miinzer had 
been engaged in effecting an uprising of the German 
peasants against their oppressive rulers. In the pre- 
ceding autumn he was in Switzerland and endeavored, 
though unsuccessfully, to enlist Grebel and others 


128 


TEUE TO THE END 


among the brethren in his revolutionary schemes. 
They told him that they did not believe in the use of 
the sword. They would bring about a better state of 
things politically and socially, not by revolution, but 
by the preaching of a gospel of good-will to men. 
Miinzer, about the middle of May, with eight thousand 
peasants, many of whom were unarmed and without 
ammunition, took up a position upon a height above 
Frankenhausen. The young landgrave, Philip of 
Hesse, who had suppressed a like revolt in liis own 
dominions, Duke Henry of Brunswick, and Duke 
George of Saxony, with well-disciplined troops, drew 
up their forces for an attack. It was swift and sharp. 
Only a few of the peasants made any resistance. The 
greater number knew not what to do. The angelic 
legions Miinzer had promised did not appear for their 
defense, and with the first shock of the onset a general 
rout commenced. The horsemen • pressed closely upon 
the fugitives. Many of them were struck down, heed- 
less of their cries for mercy. Some entered Franken- 
hausen, but were there seized and put to death. Five 
thousand peasants, it was estimated, perished that day 
by the sword. Miinzer was found three days later 
concealed in a house in Frankenhausen, and there was 
no doubt but that he would meet the same fate. 

The story of ]\Iiinzer’s defeat soon found its way 
into every shop and home in St. Gall. Ulimann 
brought the news to AVilliam Hermann. 

“It is just as I expected,’^ said William. “When 


FACING DUTY 


129 


will our poor people learn that there is little hope for 
the oppressed peasants if their wrongs are to be righted 
by the sword ! Now, as in the past, on the part of the 
oppressor there is power. But we need not despair. I 
think I can say something to-night in this connection 
that will be helpful. Do you see any objection ? 

Not the slightest,^^ replied Ulimann. Nothing 
could be more timely. You may be sure that Miin- 
zer’s defeat will be in the minds of all your hearers at 
our evening service.’’ 

The meeting in the grove was largely attended. 
There were seats for several hundred people, and as 
many more, mostly men, and not a few of them young 
men, workmen connected with the various manufactur- 
ing establishments in St. Gall, remained standing 
througliout the service. 

The rneeting opened with a hymn of praise, after 
which Ulimann read from Luther’s version of the New 
Testament, the first sixteen verses of the Epistle to the 
Romans. A fervent, earnest prayer followed. Uli- 
mann prayed for the brethren, that they might live 
worthy of their high vocation ; he prayed for those 
who were asking the way to Zion with their faces 
thitherward ; and he prayed for all who were still in 
the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity. He 
remembered also the children of toil and want, those 
whose hard lot made life a weary burden, closing his 
petition with the words, Break every yoke, and let 
the oppressed go free, for thy name’s sake.” 

I 


130 


TRUE TO THE END 


William was greatly helped by this devotional ser- 
vice, and when he rose to speak he found himself in 
close touch with his hearers. By his own request 
there were no words of introduction. At the outset 
he referred to the defeat of Miinzer at Frankenhausen. 
Expressing his deep sympathy with the oppressed 
peasants, he added : Relief is needed, and relief 

should be sought. But how shall it be sought ? Shall 
it be by the sword ? Indeed in the slaughter at Frank- 
enhausen are we not again forcibly reminded of the words 
of our Saviour : ^ They that take the sword shall perish 
with the sword ^ ? My brethren, I am persuaded that 
there is a better way. When the principles of the 
gospel of Christ shall have their rightful influence over 
the hearts of men, the oppressed will go free and 
violence and wrong will be done away. Let me, 
therefore, speak to you this evening from the words of 
the Apostle Paul : ^ I am not ashamed of the gospel of 
Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to 
every one that believeth.^ 

Then, as one would talk with a friend, Hermann re- 
ferred to his own experience, how while listening to 
Zwingli in the old cathedral at Zurich, the gospel of 
Christ influenced his life, and how by his study of the 
Scriptures he had been led step by step to cast in his 
lot with the brethren. I know, therefore, what the 
apostle meant,’^ he said, when he wrote these words 
to the Roman Christians. He had experienced the 
power of the gospel in his own life, and he longed to 


FACING DUTY 


131 


make the principles of the gospel the cherished pos- 
session of men everywhere/’ Then he spoke of the gos- 
pel as a power, also as a divine power, having as its 
aim the salvation of men here as well as hereafter, and 
bestowed on the sole condition of faith in Jesus 
Christ. 

Of such a gospel,” said he, in closing, Paul was 
not ashamed. He knew that salvation was man’s 
need, and salvation had been provided. The supply is 
abundant. Let me repeat the old invitation, ^ And 
the Spirit and the bride say. Come. And let him that 
heareth say. Come. And let him that is athirst come. 
And whosoever will, let him take the water of life 
freely.’ Yes, freely. Christ is a mighty Saviour, 
and you may make him your Saviour. 

Yes, come,” he added. There are those here, 

1 am sure, who do not wish to be numbered with 
those who are ashamed of Christ. Tarry awhile.” 

Many accepted this invitation and Ulimann and 
those who remained to talk with them found an inter- 
esting group of inquirers who referred to the words 
William Hermann had spoken as the means of their 
awakening and conviction. 

It is evident that you must stay with us and con- 
tinue the work,” Ulimann said, on their way home. 

God has sent you here. I thought so this morning. 
I am sure of it now.” 

If I can be useful,” said his guest, I will gladly 
stay. I am here for service.” 


132 


TRUE TO THE END 


Writing to Bertha, after he had been in St. Gall a 
few days, William said : The work is wonderful. I 
did not seek it, as you know. My only hope in com- 
ing here was that by my presence and counsel perhaps 
I might be helpful to the brethren. But God^s bless- 
ing has rested so richly upon my poor efforts that I 
cannot refuse to speak in that name that is above every 
name. How all this will affect my future I do not 
know, I do not ask. It is enough that the seal of 
divine approval rests upon the work.’’ 

He remained in St. Gall a little more than two 
weeks, and during this time nearly three hundred 
were added to the newly organized church. 

You ought to have no doubt as to your future 
work,” said Ulimann, on the morning of his depar- 
ture. You have gifts that should find constant em- 
ployment in making the Reformation instrumental in 
the establishment of the kingdom of God on earth. 
Our great lack is just here. We need men full of 
the Holy Spirit and faith ; men who will be true to the 
teachings of God’s word, and who have the ability to 
make use of those teachings in the formation of Chris- 
tian character and conduct. We shall not forget what 
you have done for us; may you be even more help- 
ful to others as needy as we.” 

Hermann insisted that Ulimann had spoken too 
favorably of his work in St. Gall. As to my future,” 
he added, I simply await the guidance of the same 
loving hand that led me here. I cannot believe that 


FACING DUTY 


133 


the Eeformation is doomed to failure, as some have 
prophesied. More and more the people are breaking 
away from the Roman Catholic Church. We must 
give them something better than they have found in 
splendid cathedrals and imposing rites and ceremonies. 
I am willing to devote my life to the service of God, 
and shall count myself happy if I can in any way be 
made useful to my fellow-men.’’ 

Throughout his journey homeward Hermann’s mind 
was occupied with thoughts concerning his future. One 
chapter of his life had ended ; another had opened. 
That he would encounter perils, he well understood ; 
but these were overlooked, and thinking only of the 
joy of serving his fellow-men, whatever might be the 
result to himself personally, he hastened to join the 
loved ones at the castle. 


CHAPTER XIII 


WITH PEESECUTION 


ILLIAM HERMANN had been at home only 



* ' a few days when he received from Ulimann a 
letter in which it was stated that a copy of Zwingli’s 
new book on Baptism, Anabaptism, and Infant 
Baptism/^ had been received by a pastor in St. 
Gall, and that an attempt had been made to read it in 
one of the churches. Subsequently the Council of St. 
Gall issued a mandate forbidding the Anabaptists, un- 
der penalty of imprisonment or banishment, to admin- 
ister either baptism or the Lord’s Supper. It is evi- 
dent,” added Ulimann, ^Ghat the influence of the 
Zurich Council has been brought to bear upon the mem- 
bers of our council, and that the aid of the civil power 
is to be invoked in the endeavor to defeat the so-called 
Anabaptist movement. I trust that all our members 
will be loyal to the truth. Pray that our faith fail 


A letter from Grebel, received early in July, 1525, 
revealed the fact that he was in the Griininsfen dis- 
trict, at a village called Biiretschwyl, about half-way 
between Rapperschwyl, on Lake Zurich, and St. Gall. 
Grebel had heard from Ulimann concerning the assist- 


134 


WITH PERSECUTION 


135 


ance he had received from William Hermann, and de- 
sired that he should join him in conducting evangelis- 
tic services in that district. He had found the field 
ripe, he said, for such a work. In the early part of 
the year the oppressed peasants of that region had 
adopted articles in which they had expressed their de- 
mands fiw political and social reform ; and near the 
close of April, finding that their oppressors were not 
inclined to take any notice of these demands, they had 
made an attack upon the cloisters at Ruti and Rubikon. 
The pastors of the Zwinglian churches at Diimten, 
Hinwyl, Egg, Gossau, and Hombrechtikon, were 
prominent in this uprising on the part of the Griinin- 
gen peasantry. With the hard lot of their parishion- 
ers they were familiar, and sympathizing with their 
brethren they were ready to aid them in obtaining re- 
lief. ^^At length,’^ wrote Grebel, I was invited by 
one of these pastors to join in the movement. I stated 
my position distinctly in my reply, but offered to visit 
the district and investigate the situation personally. I 
find the people everywhere ready to receive the gospel. 
Discountenancing all revolutionary proceedings, I have 
succeeded in convincing the leaders that the wrongs of 
the peasants can be righted in a better way than by the 
use of violence, and I purpose to go through the dis- 
trict preaching the gospel of the kingdom. But I 
must have help, and that too speedily. I know not 
hoAV soon our adversaries will come hither also.’’ 

William was engaged in reading Zwingli’s Baptism, 


136 


TRUE TO THE END 


Anabaptism, and Infant Baptism ’’ to Bertha and his 
mother when Grebel’s letter came. I was in hopes 
that I should have a few days more at home before 
another call would reach me/^ he said ; but the will 
of the Lord be done.’’ 

Yes,” replied Bertha, but let us hope that the 
work will have so signally the divine approval that 
you can soon be spared. Be sure and let us hear from 
you often.” 

He left the castle early the next morning. An un- 
eventful ride brought him to Hinwyl at the close of 
the day. Here he was kindly received at the home of 
one of the villagers to whom he was directed by Gre- 
bel. Grebel had been holding a service that after- 
noon in a neighboring village, and returned to Hinwyl 
soon after William’s arrival. He gave him a hearty 
greeting, and an interesting report concerning the pro- 
gress of the work. The fields everywhere are ripe 
for the harvest,” he said. From what I have heard 
concerning your work in St. Gall, I feel sure you will 
enjoy thrusting in the sickle here.” 

Grebel was not mistaken. Appointments were made 
for William Hermann in the various villages of the 
district. Rarely were the meetings held in the churches, 
but in groves, as the churches were not large enough to 
hold the crowds that came together. The people were 
hungry for the gospel, and its messages of hope and 
love as spoken by Hermann were received as if from 
the lips of an apostle. 


WITH PERSECUTION 


137 


The month of July was spent in holding religious 
services in the Griiningen district, and then Hermann 
returned to the castle, while Grebel accepted an invita- 
tion to visit Winterthur. 

‘‘You are safe, thank God,^’ said Bertha, as she 
greeted her husband in the hall on his arrival. “ You 
do not know how anxious I have been.’^ 

“ Anxious ! Why ? ” asked William. 

“ Father was here one day, and a word or two 
dropped by him I interpreted as foreboding hostility to 
you on the part of the council. You know that Mantz 
is again in prison ? 

“ I did not,’^ he replied. “ The last I heard of 
Mantz he was in Chur, whither he made his way 
shortly after we met him, when we were on our jour- 
ney to Waldshut and Southern Germany.’’ 

“ He was arrested in Chur,” replied Bertha. “ His 
work there was most successful, and he had formed a 
church which comprised in its membership all the peo- 
ple in the place who were best instructed in the word. 
But the pastor of the Zwinglian church implored the 
aid of the civil authorities because of the success of 
the new movement. Mantz was accordingly arrested 
and the council in a few days decided to deliver him 
into the hands of the Zurich authorities, and so he was 
brought here and thrown into prison.” 

“ On what charge ? ” asked William. 

“ I do not know,” replied Bertha. “ There has 
been no trial as yet, so far as I have heard.” 


138 


TRUE TO THE END 


And SO you were anxious concerning me ? ” in- 
quired the young husband. 

How could it be otherwise?’’ said Bertha. 

Mantz can be arrested and imprisoned for preaching 
the gospel, why not others ? You may be sure the 
council will not hesitate to take any step that will be 
helpful to the State church.” 

Perhaps I have not given thought enough to the 
hostility of the council,” was the reply. Indeed, I 
have hardly considered the matter at all. The Lord 
will take care of his own, I have said, and I have 
thought only of my work.” 

William remained at home during tlie months of 
August and September, giving his attention to the man- 
agement of his estate. 

Early in August he called on Zwingli in the hope of 
enlisting the reformer’s influence in securing Mantz’s 
release. Zwingli received him with considerable cool- 
ness, and when young Hermann made known the ob- 
ject of his visit, Zwingli manifested signs of impa- 
tience. 

I have no knowledge of the facts in this case,” he 

said. 

But what I ask,” said Hermann, is that you will 
look into the matter, and if Mantz has done nothing 
worthy of imprisonment, that you will go before the 
council and request iiis release.” 

Why should I interest myself in Mantz’s behalf?” 
asked Zwingli. I am not one of the brethren.” 


WITH PERSECUTION 


139 


But you are Zwingli/’ he replied. The council 
will listen to you, but not to me.’’ 

You greatly overrate my influence with the coun- 
cil,” said Zwingli. have not advised the arrest 
and imprisonment of any one because of his religious 
views or of his advocacy of those views. On the con- 
trary, I have counseled moderation, and with what 
results you see.” 

“ I was aware of the fact you state,” replied Her- 
mann, and it was on this account that I came to you. 
There should be room for honest differences of opinion. 
If Mantz has conducted himself worthily, although 
his views of Scripture truth may not coincide with 
your own, why not, as an act of justice to a fellow- 
citizen, ask for his release ? ” 

Zwingli, however, could not be induced to interfere 
in any way in Mantz’ s behalf, and he intimated that 
his guest would do well to exercise a wise forethought 
in his own behalf. 

I think I understand what you mean,” replied 
Hermann. Hitherto I have been accustomed to do 
what I thought would be pleasing to my Heavenly 
Father, and I cannot conceive of any circumstances in 
which I shall deem it safe to adopt a different course.” 

As he rose to go Zwingli handed him a copy of 
his Baptism, Anabaptism, and Infant Baptism.” 

I have a copy already,” said William ; also a copy 
of Hubmeicr’s reply, ^Concerning the Christian Baptism 
of Believers.’ Let the discussion go on. As Hub- 


140 


TKUE TO THE END 


meier’s motto runs, ^ The truth is immortal,’ and we 
can all afford to be patient.” 

Early in October, by request, William Hermann 
joined Grebel at Hinwyl. Arrangements had been 
made for meetings there and in the neighboring vil- 
lages. October seventh, a great meeting was held at 
Bezholz. Grebel and Hermann were present. The 
people came together in large numbers, and much in- 
terest was manifested. While the forenoon service was 
in progress Mantz appeared. By the assistance of 
friends on the preceding day he had made his escape 
from the prison in Zurich and was advised to seek a 
refuge among the brethren in the Griiningen district. 
During the afternoon service, George Berger, bailiff of 
Griiningen, who had arrested Blaurock while preaching 
at Hinwyl in the forenoon, discovered the Bezholz as- 
sembly as he was riding past with his prisoner. He 
at once halted his party, and dashing into the grove 
rudely demanded that the assembly should disperse. 
Mantz disappeared in the forest. Grebel, who was ad- 
dressing the assembly, asked the bailiff : 

‘‘By what authority do you make this demand?” 

“ By the authority of the Council of Zurich,” an- 
swered the bailiff. “ These meetings are forbidden, and 
I have orders to arrest the preachers and teachers.” 

The crowd suddenly moved toward the platform, 
and the bailiff was about to be caught in it and swept 
from his position, when Grebel and Hermann raised 
their hands, and beckoned to the people. 


WITH PERSECUTION 


141 


Tins is an officer of the law, brethren,’’ said Her- 
mann. We are told in the Scriptures that the pow- 
ers that be are ordained of God. Let the bailiff pre- 
sent his authority.” 

The bailiff, having produced his warrant, declared 
Grebel and Hermann under arrest, and ordered them 
to join Blaurock and his party of subordinate officers 
in the road. 

The Council of Zurich will hear from us,” said 
Andrew Wester mann, a Bezholz peasant, who could 
with difficulty restrain himself from laying hands 
upon the bailiff. The right of a free people to as- 
semble and to consider matters of importance is an in- 
heritance we have received from our fathers.” 

The bailiff made no reply, and as soon as his pris- 
oners were mounted upon horses furnished by his at- 
tendants, the cavalcade moved off. 

On his arrival at Zurich, Berger delivered his pris- 
oners to the council, which was hurriedly called to- 
gether by the burgomaster. There was a hasty exam- 
ination of the prisoners in connection with the report 
of the bailiff. Then, by order of the council, Grebel, 
Hermann, and Blaurock were sent to prison. 

A friend of Hermann, who saw the prisoners as they 
were brought before the council, carried the news to 
Bertha at the castle, and a note from her husband, 
written during the examination by the council, reached 
her soon after. 

I may be able to do something for his comfort,” 


142 


TEUE TO THE END 


Bertha said, as she talked over the situation with the 
baroness ; and she was soon on her way to the prison. 
To her joy she was allowed to see her husband and 
make some provision for his necessities and those of 
his companions. 

Tidings of the arrest of Blaurock, Grebel, and Her- 
mann were quickly carried tx) every part of the Griin- 
ingen district. Meetings were at once held and com- 
mittees were appointed to lay their protests before the 
Zurich Council. So great was the excitement in the 
.district that the council, after consulting with Zwingli, 
decided to have a public discussion in the Council Hall, 
in Zurich, November 6. 

When the day came it was found that the Council 
Hall would not hold the people who from the city and 
from the Griiningen district desired to be present, 
and the discussion was held in the cathedral. Grebel, 
Hermann, Blaurock, and Mantz were brought from 
the prison to the cathedral, and were permitted to 
engage in the discussion, which by an arrangement 
of Zwingli was directed to these three points. 1. 
The children of Christians are not less God’s children 
than those of the Jews. 2. Baptism takes the place of 
circumcision. 3. Anabaptism has no warrant in the 
Scriptures, and those who allow themselves to be re- 
baptized crucify Christ afresh. 

Zwingli sought to establish these propositions by the 
usual arguments. The discussion was confined princi- 
pally to the second and third propositions. 


WITH PERSECUTION 


143 


After Zwingli had made his statement, Grebel called 
Zwingli’s attention to the fact that circumcision in the 
Old Testament was enjoined upon one sex only. “ If 
baptism takes the place of circumcision, why do you 
not regard the same limitation ? But where is the evi- 
dence in the New Testament,’’ said Grebel, that bap- 
tism takes the place of circumcision ? When Judaizers 
demanded that circumcision should still be practised, 
why did not Paul reply that in the Christian economy 
circumcision had been superseded by baptism ? There 
is not a hint of any such teaching.” 

Nor is there anything said in the New Testament 
concerning anabaptism,” said Zwingli. 

True,” replied Grebel. I know of no one who 
finds anabaptism in the New Testament. Baptism is 
enjoined, but it is the baptism of a believer, the con- 
scious act of one who has accepted Christ as Saviour 
and King.” 

On the third day the discussion became general, 
people in the audience participating in it as well as the 
leaders on either side. At length the assembly broke 
up in confusion. The members of the council retired 
to the Council Hall. Before them Grebel and his 
associates were brought and asked to retract their errors. 

Errors ? ” said Grebel. It has not been shown 
that we are in error. Furnish us with the evidence 
that we are in error and you will have my retraction, 
and, I am sure, also the retraction of my associates.” 

We decline to discuss the matter further,” said the 


144 


TKUE TO THE END 


burgomaster. You have the decision of the council, 
and you must either retract or go back to prison.^^ 

I can speak only for myself,’^ said Grebel. The 
truth is dearer to me than anything else. I cannot 
retract.^^ 

Hermann, Blaurock, and Mantz were equally 
firm, and . the prisoners were remanded to prison 
with orders that they should be loaded with chains 
and denied the visits of their friends. It was also or- 
dered that they should remain in prison until they re- 
tracted their errors. At the same time a decree was 
passed that whoever should administer rebaptism within 
tlie limits of the canton should be arrested, and if con- 
victed he should be drowned without mercy. If they 
want to be immersed let them be immersed,’^ said one 
of the members of the council as the prisoners left the 
hall. 

At the house of a friend near the Council Hall, 
Bertha awaited the result of the deliberations of the 
council, and was not unprepared for the decision which 
was at length announced. Both at the Council Hall 
and afterward at the prison, she endeavored to secure 
an interview with her husband, but was unsuccessful. 
At length she returned to the castle and made known 
to the baroness the hard lot of the prisoners. 

We now know,’’ she said, what the apostle 
meant when he wrote to the Philippians, ^ For unto 
you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to be- 
lieve on him, but also to suffer for his sake.’ ” 


WITH PERSECUTION 


145 


Yes/’ replied the baroness, and 1 trust we also 
know what the apostle meant when he wrote, 
reckon that the sufferings of the present time are not 
worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be 
revealed in us.’ ” 

William quoted those words to me during a short 
interview we had this morning in the cathedral,” said 
Bertha. He was as full of hope and courage as ever, 
and sent his love to you and Edward.” 

Edward was holding his mother’s hand. Will my 
papa come home to-night ? ” asked the child. 

No, not to-night, my dear,” said Bertha, but we 
hope he will come soon.” 

Edward was playing in the hall of the castle one 
afternoon two weeks later, when the outer door was 
opened and his father entered. 

Why, papa, papa ! ” he exclaimed, as he caught 
sight of him and hastened to meet him. 

William had lifted the child into his arms as Bertha, 
startled by the words he had uttered, appeared at the 
door of the library. 

Why, William,” she exclaimed ; my faith was 
not equal to this. What does it mean ? ” 

I do not know myself,” he replied. Our chains 
were removed, and we were told that we could go. No 
explanation of this action was given.” 

Probably it would be useless to ask for any,” said 
Bertha. It is enough that you are with us again.” 

K 


CHAPTER XIV 


TYEANNY AND TORTURE TRIUMPHANT 

M eanwhile all was not sunshine in Waldshut. 

Tidings concerning HubmeiePs baptism, and 
the baptism of so many of his former flock, were speed- 
ily carried to the Roman Catholic officials, by whom 
the attention of the Austrian government was directed 
to aflairs in this border town of the empire. So long 
as Hubmeier was supposed to be in agreement with 
Zwingli, Waldshut had the support of Zurich ; but 
now that he had taken his place with the despised Ana- 
baptists, Zurich withdrew its support and Waldshut 
was left to fight its battles alone. 

With all fidelity Hubmeier devoted himself to his 
work, and from month to month there were many signs 
of substantial progress. The membership of the church 
increased, and its advancement in all Christian graces 
was a delight to HubmeiePs heart. But the decree had 
gone forth that this outpost of the Swiss Anabaptists 
should be destroyed, and when the imperial troops ap- 
peared before the town in December, Waldshut was 
compelled to surrender. 

Hubmeier and the members of his church escaped 
by crossing the Rhine into Switzerland. Hermann 
146 


TYRANNY AND TORTURE TRIUMPHANT 147 

a few weeks before had written to Hubmeier con- 
cerning the wonderful progress of the work in the 
Griiningen district, and thither Hubmeier now made his 
way, passing by Zurich. When he came into the dis- 
trict, however, he learned that the work had been ar- 
rested by the imprisonment of the leaders. Moreover, 
Berger was still active in his opposition to the move- 
ment, and although a few services were held by Hub- 
meier in private, the brethren deemed it unwise for 
the present to attempt to hold public services. Accord- 
ingly Hubmeier, hearing that Hermann and the other 
prisoners had been released, made his way to Zurich, 
disguising himself as a peasant at the suggestion of 
some of the brethren. 

One of these gave him a note to Henry Aberli, a 
prominent member of the Zurich church, and Hub- 
meier on his arrival in Zurich, about New Year’s, went 
at once to Aberli’s house. Aberli received him most 
cordially and expressed his regret that on account of 
the hostile attitude of the council the brethren could 
not give him such a welcome *to Zurich as their hearts 
would prompt. Although Grebel and the other pris- 
oners had been released, he did not think that this ac- 
tion was to be interpreted as an indication that a more 
lenient policy had been adopted by the council. In- 
deed, Aberli did not deem it prudent for Hubmeier to 
remain at his house, as he himself was expecting a 
visit from the bailiff of the city on account of his par- 
ticipation in a baptismal service a short time before. 


148 


TRUE TO THE END 


He accordingly made an arrangement for Hubmeier’s 
entertainment at the Green Shield, a small inn kept 
by Frau Werner, who with her daughter had been re- 
cently baptized by Aberli. The character of her guest 
was made known to Frau Werner. Although Hub- 
meier mingled with the other guests as little as was 
possible, a Waldshuter, who came to the house three 
days later, recognized the well-known features of Hub- 
meier, and at once reported to the burgomaster that 
Hubmeier was at the Green Shield in the disguise of a 
peasant. 

The burgomaster at once summoned the council and 
Hubmeier’s arrest was ordered. The officer was soon 
on his way to the Green Shield, and as he was entering 
the house, Hubmeier, in his peasant’s disguise, was 
passing out. His dress and general appearance answered 
to the description of Hubmeier which the officer had 
received, and placing his hand upon Hubmeier’s shoul- 
der, he said : 

You are my prisoner.” 

How so ? ” asked Hubmeier. 

^^By order of the council,” was the officer’s re- 
sponse. 

Hubmeier asked to be allowed to return to his room 
before accompanying the officer, but the latter declined 
the request and at once eonducted his prisoner to the 
Council Hall, where the members of the council were 
still in session. Hubmeier was taken to an adjoining 
room and placed under guard. Meanwhile a messen- 


TYRANNY AND TORTURE TRIUMPHANT 149 


ger was sent to request Zwingli’s presence. Zwingli 
soon appeared, and was informed of Hubmeier’s arrest. 

What shall we do with him ? asked the burgo- 
master. 

I can only say what I have said before/^ replied 
Zwingli. In my opinion a moderate course is the 
wisest. I should not send Hubmeier to prison. Retain 
him here under arrest. In a few days, with some of 
the city pastors, I will have an interview with him. 
It is possible that we can induce him to see the futility 
of continuing in the course upon which he has entered.’’ 

After some further conversation Zwingli retired and 
Hubmeier was brought in. His disguise had been 
skillfully assumed, and yet it was evident that he was 
no ordinary man. 

^^This is Hubmeier of Waldshut?” said the burgo- 
master, inquiringly. 

Hubmeier paused a moment, and then added, 

It is.” 

We had a good opinion of you formerly,” added 
the burgomaster, and regret exceedingly that for some 
time past you have removed yourself from our sym- 
pathies. That you should now appear in Zurich in 
disguise is by no means pleasing to us.” 

If I had deemed it safe to appear here otherwise,” 
replied Hubmeier, you may be sure that the disguise 
would not have been adopted. For the assistance I re- 
ceived from Zurich in other days I have only grateful 
remembrance.” 


150 


TRUE TO THE END 


Well/’ said the burgomaster, we are told that to 
err is human, and we are ready to overlook the mis- 
takes of the past. Just now you can do a very great 
service for the truth, and it is our hope that you will 
find it to be the part of wisdom to take your place 
once more at the side of our Zwingli. We accordingly 
suggest that you have a conference with him and some 
of our Zurich pastors, and see if some common ground 
cannot be discovered.” 

Nothing is dearer to me than the truth,” replied 
Hubmeier, and nothing will give me greater pleasure 
than to discuss Christian truth with Zwingli and the 
other Zurich pastors.” 

A few days later, Zwingli, Engelhard, Leo Jud, 
Myconius, Sebastian Hofmeister, and Megander came to 
the Council Hall, and the officer who had Hubmeier 
in charge was requested to bring him before them. 
Upon his entrance into the hall Hubmeier cordially 
greeted Zwingli and the Zurich pastors. 

We have been asked by the council,” said Zwingli, 
to confer with you and ascertain, if possible, if there 
is not some common ground upon which we can stand 
in our reformatory work. A division in our ranks is 
harmful in every way. Indeed, nothing is more cer- 
tain than that there must be a union of all the forces 
opposed to Rome if the largest success in our under- 
taking is to be achieved.” 

I agree with you fully as to the desirability of 
union,” said Hubmeier, and a full and frank discus- 


TYRANNY AND TORTURE TRIUMPHANT 151 


sion of the points in which we are not now agreed will 
be most gratifying to me. If I am found in error I 
am willing to be punished by sword, or fire, or water. 
If, however, you, Zwingli, are in error, I only ask that 
you shall confess the error and henceforth teach the 
truth.'' 

The course of the conversation that followed very 
soon made it evident that Zwingli and his associates did 
not intend to enter upon a general discussion of doc- 
trinal differences. 

It will be a waste of time," said Zwingli. You 
know our position. We can take no other. The past 
we will overlook, and we only ask that you shall retract 
the errors you have taught, and stand with us in the 
maintenance of the truth." 

God forbid that I should ever teach anything but 
the truth," said Hubmeier ; but I cannot retract so 
long as my convictions are unchanged. You ask too 
much." 

Very well," replied Zwingli ; we must take then 
our separate ways." 

Hubmeier was at once brought before the council. 
To the questions of the burgomaster he replied respect- 
fully, but firmly. A consultation on the part of the 
members of the council followed. It was at length de- 
cided that Hubmeier should be subjected to the rack, 
and directions were given accordingly. 

The torture room was in one of the towers of the 
Zurich prison, and thither Hubmeier was now con- 


152 


TRUE TO THE END 


ducted. In the center of the room was the rack, con- 
sisting of a large, oblong piece of wood, with four 
beams a little raised from the floor. Upon this frame 
Hubmeier was stretched and bound. Cords then were 
attached to his extremities, and gradually strained by 
means of a lever and pulleys. One of the members 
of the council represented his associates in that body, 
and as the sufierings of the prisoner wrung from him 
exclamations of agony, he turned to Hubmeier and 
said : 

Will you recant ? ’’ 

There was no response — only sighs and groans, as 
writhing in pain the tortured man gave involuntary 
testimony to the terrible strain that was upon him. 

Will you recant ? ’’ again asked the councillor. 
Still there was no answer. Then the lips moved as if 
in prayer, and the words broke forth, Help, Lord, 
grace to help in time of need ! 

Will you recant?’^ shouted the councilor, and he 
leaned over in order to bring himself nearer to the ear 
of his victim, as if he had not been heard before. As 
there was still no answer the tension of the cords was 
still further increased, and the most agonizing shrieks 
broke forth from the lips of the weary sufferer. 

You cannot endure this strain much longer,’’ said 
the councilor. Again I ask, will you recant ? ” 
There was a pause, and then Hubmeier whispered. 
Yes, yes ! ” It was evident that his strength was 
almost gone, and the councilor motioned to the tor- 


TYRANNY AND TORTURE TRIUMPHANT 153 

turer to loosen the cords. For a while Hubmeier re- 
mained as one dead. At length his eyes opened, and 
as the rack met his gaze, recalling the fearful ordeal 
through which he had passed, he again became uncon- 
scious. 

A cot was soon made ready in an adjoining room 
and thither Hubmeier was borne. When at leno^th he 
came to himself he was alone, and unable to move. 
Recalling the- experiences of the torture room, he was 
reminded of his promise to recant. How could he ful- 
fill this promise, and so do violence to his most sacred 
convictions ? The thought led to prolonged reflection. 

Meanwhile arrangements were made by the council 
for a public recantation in the cathedral. When the 
day came there was an immense throng assembled to 
witness the proceedings. First, Zwingli preached a 
sermon. Then Hubmeier ascended the pulpit. His 
face still bore traces of the terrible sufferings he had 
endured, but he stood erect, and although at first his 
tone was low, such was the quietness of the vast throng 
as the people leaned forward to catch every word, that 
his voice soon penetrated to the most distant parts of 
the cathedral. 

The address, however, was not a recantation as was 
expected. On the contrary Hubmeier re-affirmed his 
opposition to infant baptism and insisted upon the ne- 
cessity of baptism as a personal confession of disciple- 
ship. At first there were murmurings on the part of 
Zwingli’s followers, then strong denunciations. Amid 


154 


TRUE TO THE END 


the general uproar Hubmeier stood unmoved. He had 
delivered his message and the result he left with God. 
As the tumult subsided the voice of the burgomaster 
was heard. 

Back with him to prison/^ he shouted. Let him 
be thrown into the dungeon. Tiie good people of 
Zurich came here for no such words as these.’’ 

The sufferings Hubmeier endured during the next 
few months no pen can describe. He was not allowed 
to see any of his friends. Only scanty and coarsest 
food was brought to him, and by reason of the dampness 
and foulness of his dungeon, fever at length assailed 
him. To the surprise of the prison-keeper, however, 
he recovered. During his recovery he composed in the 
form of prayer his Twelve Articles of Faith, of which 
these were the closing words : 

Oh, holy God ! Oh, almighty God ! Oh, immortal 
God ! this is my faith. I confess it with heart and mouth, 
and have testified it publicly before the church in 
baptism. I faithfully pray thee, graciously keep me in 
it until my end ; and should I be forced from it out of 
mortal fear and timidity, by tyranny, torture, sword, 
fire, or water, I now appeal to thee. Oh, my com- 
passionate Father, raise me up again by the grace of 
thy Holy Spirit, and suffer me not to depart without 
this faith. This I pray thee from the bottom of my 
heart, through Jesus Christ, thy most beloved Son, 
our Lord and Saviour. Father, in thee do I put my 
trust ; let me never be ashamed.” 


TYRANNY AND TORTURE TRIUMPHANT 155 


As Hiibmeier penned these words his enemies were 
endeavoring to extort from him a second recantation. 
At length he was removed to the torture room and 
again subjected to the rack. In his enfeebled condition, 
by reason of his long illness, he was less able to endure 
the terrible ordeal that followed. In an extremity of 
agony he again yielded. This time, however, a written 
recantation was demanded of him ; and this was brought 
to him as soon as he was able to sign it. 

April 6 was the day appointed for the public recan- 
tation. Again the cathedral was crowded. The burgo- 
master, in private, warned Hubmeier not to repeat the 
scene in the cathedral three months before. He must 
do no more than read the written recantation. This 
Hubmeier did. Tyranny and torture triumphed. 

Later Hubmeier was taken to Gossan, in the Griin- 
ingen district, where the recantation was repeated. 
Hubmeier was then released and allowed to leave the 
canton. He directed his steps first to Constance, then 
to Augsburg, and in July he made his way to Nikols- 
burg in Moravia, where he established a Baptist church 
which became the center of a movement throughout a 
wide region. 


CHAPTEE Xy 


AN OPEN DOOR 

S HORTLY after his release from the prison in 
Zurich, William Hermann received tidings of the 
dangerous illness of his brother at Ulm, in Southern 
Germany, and thither he hastily made his way. When 
he reached Ulm, he found Otto in the last stages of an 
incurable disease. The meeting was a sad one. Only 
a glance was needed to tell the story that Otto was 
very near to the unseen world. William soon found 
tliat his brother’s heart had already been made tender, 
and as he unfolded to him the way of salvation through 
faith in the Lord Jesus, the truth was readily wel- 
comed, and it was William’s unspeakable privilege to 
lead his brother to a full and hearty acceptance of 
Christ as the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of 
the world. 

It was Otto’s great regret, often expressed, that 
while there was so much to be done — William had 
spoken to him from time to time concerning his own 
work — he could have no part in it. 

I have lived a wicked life,” he said one day. I 
have thought only of myself. I see it now ; but alas, 

it is too late.” 

« 


156 


AN OPEN DOOE 


157 


It is too late so far as this life is concerned/’ said 
William, ^^but I love to think of life here and life 
hereafter as one. It cannot be that God has nothing 
for us to do in the better land.” 

Perhaps he will give me something to do here/’ 
said Otto. 

It will certainly be a help to me/’ said William, 
that you long for service, and would gladly help us.” 

May God give you many years in his service,” 
added Otto. 

As many as he will,” replied William ; but you 
must remember that there are many adversaries. We 
do not all think alike, even those who bear the 
Christian name ; and at times I have thought that the 
blood of the martyrs must again flow as in the early 
church. This may be necessary in order that the truth 
may win its mightiest victories. At all events, I shall 
endeavor to do my duty ; and whether my time of service 
shall be longer or shorter, I am willing to leave with 
Him whose we are and whom we serve.” 

With Otto the end at length came, and it came sud- 
denly. It was late in the night, and William was sit- 
ting at the bedside of his brother, holding his wasted 
hand, and ready for any office that a loving heart could 
perform. Meanwhile his thoughts had wandered home- 
ward. A movement of Otto’s hand startled him, and 
as he turned his eyes toward the weary sufferer, he 
noticed a change in the familiar features. 

I feel so strange,” said Otto. Must we part ? ” 


158 


TRUE TO THE END 


Not forever/^ said William. 

No, not forever,’^ added Otto ; but for a while. 

To depart and be with Christ is far better.’^ 

Yes, oh, yes,’’ answered Otto ; and he is here 
even now.” And as he lifted his thin hands he whis- 
pered, Blessed companionship.” 

I know it,” said William, and he repeated the 
words of the psalmist, Yea, though I walk through 
the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, 
for thou art with me.” 

Faintly Otto repeated these last words, ^^Thou art 
with me ” ; the eyelids gently closed, the breath came 
at longer and longer intervals, and at length wholly 
ceased. 

Another believing soul had passed out of time into 
eternity. 

In his preparation for the funeral services — Otto 
was buried in the city cemetery — William made the 
acquaintance of some of the brethren in Ulm ; and he 
was indebted to them for many acts of kindness and 
thoughtfulness. They were not as yet very numerous, 
but they were earnest, aggressive, and in a quiet way 
they were laboring effectively for the spread of Baptist 
principles. 

After the funeral, as he was making preparations for 
his homeward journey, one of the brethren said to him : 

Perhaps God has a work for you to do in Ulm. 
Some of us think so. You are providentially here; 
stay awhile longer, and we will work with you.” 


AN OPEN DOOR 


159 


I am here by the will of God/^ said Hermann. 

That is true ; and if it is his will that I should re- 
main and engage in Christian service, the will of the 
Lord be done.^^ 

An arrangement was made for him to preach in the 
house of one of the brethren that evening. And I, 
if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me,’’ were the 
words of his text. There were those present who had 
not as yet given their hearts to Christ ; and as he 
in earnest, persuasive ^vords presented the attractive 
power of the cross, many liearts w^ere made tender, and 
there were some that evening who, as they looked upon 
the Lamb of God, found peace in believing. 

The preacher was full of gratitude to God as he 
talked and prayed with the inquirers. ‘^Surely the 
Lord is in this place,” was the testimony of all the 
brethren, and they added, You must stay and con- 
tinue the good work.” 

As God wills,” said Hermann. We will follow 
as he leads the way.” 

He at once wrote to Bertha, announcing the change 
in his plans. Such a change,” he wrote, I had 
not thought possible. The tokens of the divine pres- 
ence, however, are so manifest that I must remain 
in Ulm, at least for the present.” 

Very largely, as in other places, those who were 
reached in the services of the brethren at Ulm were 
of the middle and lower classes. A few men and 
women of rank and influence, however, were soon 


160 


TRUE TO THE END 


won to the truth, and became earnest workers in the 
little church. Indeed, so evidently was the work in 
which the brethren were engaged the work of the 
Lord, that Hermann at length decided to bring his 
family to Ulm, and he returned to Zurich for that 
purpose. Concerning the ordeal through which Hub- 
meier had passed, Bertha had written from time to time, 
and now he learned of Hubmeier^s departure from the 
canton. He also learned that Grebel had died of the 
pest, but where and under what circumstances he could 
not learn. Mantz, he was told, had been in Schaflf- 
hausen, but as he was not allowed to remain within 
the limits of the city, he had proceeded to Basel, where 
he was preaching the gospel in private houses, and 
making frequent excursions into the villages around. 
For the work in Switzerland the outlook was indeed 
dark. 

Hermann left the castle in the care of a trusted ser- 
vant, as he had frequently done before, and on his 
return to CJlm he made a home for his family in one 
of those quaint old houses that connected Ulm with its 
historic past. Bertha and the baroness at once inter- 
ested^ themselves in the work of the church, and in 
every way rendered him efficient service. Both counted 
it a joy that to them also was it now given to have a 
personal share in William’s labors. Especially among 
the poor and the sick, to whom they ministered daily, 
they were permitted to scatter the good seeds of the 
kingdom and to gather a speedy and glorious harvest. 


AN OPEN DOOR 


161 


The work prospered in every way, and the additions 
to the church were frequent and numerous. 

Returning to his home at the close of a day in June, 
Hermann found a stranger awaiting him in the library. 
He was tall, of pleasing address, apparently about 
thirty years of age, and with a face that indicated more 
than ordinary intelligence. As the stranger placed a 
note in his hands, Hermann, glancing at the hand- 
writing, exclaimed : 

Why, this is from Hubmeier ! ’’ 

Hastily reading the note he turned to the stranger 
and gave him a most cordial greeting. 

And so this is John Denck,’’ he said. Brethren 
from Augsburg have brought tidings of your good 
work there. I cannot tell you how glad I am to wel- 
come you to Ulm.’’ 

John Denck was one of the noteworthy men of his 
time. As rector of St. Sebold’s school at Nuremberg, 
he had early taken his place with the friends of Luther, 
and for a while engaged heartily with them in the new 
movement. But that movement meant to him not only 
a change in doctrine, but an advance in practical Christi- 
anity. Differences arose and Denck was compelled not 
only to leave his school, but Nuremberg. In the sum- 
mer of 1526 he was in St. Gall, where he became 
interested in the Anabaptist movement. Later he 
made his way to Augsburg. There his great talents 
soon secured for him favorable recognition, and he 
devoted himself to study and literary labor. When 
L 


162 


TRUE TO THE END 


Hubmeier came to Augsburg in April or May, 1526, 
lie found Denck influential in religious circles. The 
two were together daily, and they were not long in 
finding that they were in general agreement in their 
doctrinal views. It was not Hubmeier’s purpose to 
remain in Augsburg, but before he left he baptized 
Denck, and in other ways greatly strengthened the 
foundations of the Augsburg Baptist Church. The 
growth of the church was rapid, and in numbers and 
influence it soon took its place among the evangelical 
forces of the city. 

Denck’s stay in Ulm, where he was Hermann’s 
guest for several weeks, was of value in many ways. 
Denck’s conversation -with reference to the great themes 
of the Scriptures was to his host a daily inspiration. 
His great familiarity with the Scriptures, and his 
aptness in applying the teachings of the Scriptures to 
the practical needs of daily life, impressed him pro- 
foundly. Hermann felt not only that he wanted to be 
a better man himself, but he wanted to help others to be 
better. Denck’s visit was also helpful to the brethren 
in Ulm. Frequently he took charge of the services 
at Hermann’s request. At one of these services he 
spoke of faith : 

Since we are saved by faith,” he said, ^^we must 
know what is meant by faith. Faith is the accordance 
of our will with the Divine will, and it rests upon the 
immediately given facts of experience. Such a fact is 
the voice of conscience, or the religious feeling. This 


AN OPEN DOOR 


163 


I know is certain with me, that this voice of conscience 
tells me the truth ; therefore will I hearken to what it 
says, and no one shall take this truth from me. And 
when I find expressions that are in agreement with 
this truth, which to me is intuitively certain, I will 
again listen, and in general, despise no outward testi- 
mony, but prove all things and compare all with the 
claims of the voice in my heart. In this inner word 
is the foundation for my faitli in the good and in a 
higher power, which impels me to the good indepen- 
dent of my will. 

Important as this inner word is, hovvever, it is 
not sufficient to produce faith ; and wffien I seek helpers 
I find there is nothing which so perfectly serves the 
purpose as the Holy Scriptures, which in all their 
teaching, if rightly understood, give only the echo of 
that which slumbers in my inmost being. Therefore 
the Bible is the light and guide to faith, and without 
it he who independently investigates the dark way of 
the divine mysteries is sure to stumble. 

But, as Peter says, the Holy Scripture is not of 
private interpretation ; but he who interprets must give 
ear to the divine Spirit, even to the Spirit that has 
given the Scripture. Let him, however, who supposes 
that he possesses the illumination of the Holy Spirit, 
prove in his own heart first of all wliether he is cer- 
tain of the will to do good in his own heart. A good 
heart proves itself by patience and humility.’’ 

By such words as these Denck turned the thoughts 


164 


TRUE TO THE END 


of the brethren inward to search for the grounds of 
their doctrinal views. 

What Denck had to say concerning Hubmeier espe- 
cially interested Hermann. Concerning his recanta- 
tion, Hnbmeier had spoken freely while in Augsburg. 
He was not satisfied with his course. That he had 
yielded to his persecutors through physical weakness 
awakened only regret. Earnestly he has sought the 
divine forgiveness, and you may be sure,’^ said Denck, 
that if ever he is placed in like circumstances again 
he will meet death unflinchingly and even joyfully.’^ 
While at Ulm, Denck made known his purpose to 
undertake a translation of the books of the Old Testa- 
ment. Where the work would be prepared he could 
not say, but he would await the indications of the 
Divine will. 

In leaving the city he left very many friends who, 
with Hermann, thanked him for the helpful words he 
had spoken in the name of the Lord Jesus ; and all 
expressed the hope that he might return to them at no 
distant day. 


CHAPTER Xyi 


DAEKENING SHADOWS 

B ut while the work at Ulm, Augsburg, and other 
places in Southern Germany, was prosecuted with 
growing success, that in Switzerland was weakened 
more and more by the opposition of the civil power. 
Early in December, in the Griiningen district, the 
bailiff arrested Mantz and Blaurock, who had been re- 
quested to return to the brethren there and hold reli- 
gious services. The prisoners were at once taken to 
Zurich and brought to trial. Both were sentenced to 
death by drowning. Mantz was executed, but Blau- 
rock, who was not a citizen of the canton, was allowed 
to depart after taking an oath that he would not re- 
turn. 

A letter from William Stubner, written at Zurich 
January 6, 1527, the day following the execution, 
brought to Hermann the first tidings he received con- 
cerning the death of Mantz : 

There was much excitement in the city. None of 
the brethren were allowed to see Mantz at the prison. 
When he was brought from the Wellenberg, one of the 
Zurich pastors accompanied him with the officers and 
guards. I greeted him as he passed my house, and he 

165 


166 


TRUE TO THE E:N^D 


waved his hand to me in token of farewell. There 
was no pallor in his face, and he seemed as one upon 
whom no burden of care rested. A part of the way (I 
saw as I followed the party) he. talked with the 
preacher who accompanied him. At length he came 
to the place where his mother and brother awaited him. 
^ Be thou faithful unto death, my Felix,^ said the noble 
woman, as she looked for the last time upon her son. 
^Have no fear,’ answered Mantz, know whom I 
have believed. We shall meet again.’ His eyes, as 
he spoke, filled with tears, and as his mother stepped 
forward he leaned over and kissed her. ^My dear 
boy, my dear boy,’ were the only words that fell from 
her lips as Mantz was led away. 

I followed the party to the square near the boat- 
landing. There Mantz praised God that he was about 
to die for the truth. ^ Bead the Scriptures for your- 
selves,’ he said, ^ and take their testimony. The work 
of reformation was nobly begun by Zwingli. He it 
was who led us to the fountain of divine truth. Pon- 
der the word ; make it the rule of your lives. Follow 
it whithersoever it leads, and you will not go astray.’ 

He was now bound to the hurdle, and as he was 
thrown into the water he cried with a loud voice. 
^ Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit ! ’ 
These were his last words. They were hardly uttered 
when the water closed over him, and another martyr 
went home to God. It was a scene I hope never 
again to witness in our free Switzerland ; but we all 


DARKENING SHADOWS 


167 


blessed God for the firmness and noble bearing that 
Mantz displayed in this trying hour. 

Mantz left a letter for his brethren which is full of 
counsel and comfort. But we are now as sheep with- 
out a shepherd. We have no leaders. Grebel is dead, 
Hubmeier and Blaurock have been banished, you and 
Hetzer are providentially laboring in other lands. 
How, in the face of persecution so relentless, we shall 
be able to continue the good work, is a problem to 
which we have given, and are still giving, earnest con- 
sideration. We dare not ask you to return, at least 
until we have some assurance that the present policy of 
our rulers, which so far as our leaders is concerned is a 
policy of extermination, has been changed. These are 
dark days for our beloved Switzerland.’’ 

Inclosed in the letter was the copy of a hymn com- 
posed by Mantz in the prospect of death, commencing. 

With rapture I will sing, 

Grateful to God for breath, 

The strong, almighty King 
Who saves my soul from death, 

The death that has no end. 

Thee too, 0 Christ, I praise, 

Who dost thine own defend. 

This hymn, with the simple story of Mantz’s faith- 
fulness unto death, and Stubner’s brief statement of 
the shepherdless condition of the persecuted little flock, 
made a deep impression upon William Hermann. 

^^Yes,” he said, giving utterance to the thoughts 


168 


TRUE TO THE END 


that were passing through his mind, these are indeed 
dark days for our beloved Switzerland ; and yet here 
at a distance I remain, in comparative safety, leaving 
the brethren to contend as best they may against a 
strong and determined foe. Is it right ? Am I doing 
my duty ? 

He had pondered these questions long and prayer- 
fully when Bertha entered the room. Stubner’s letter 
was on the table before him. He handed it to Bertha, 
and as in silence she read the story of Mantz’s martyr- 
dom, forbodings of evil days yet to come poured in 
upon her like a flood, and laying the letter back upon 
the table she kissed her husband, but gave no expres- 
sion to the thoughts by which she was so deeply 
moved. 

I think I can read your thoughts,’’ said William, 
as he led Bertha to a seat and placed himself at her 
side. You are thinking of some possible harm that 
may come to me in these troublous times. Is it not 
so?” 

^^How could it be otherwise?” replied Bertha. 

It is true that as yet we have met with no serious 
opposition to our work here ; but we have no guarantee 
of continued sufferance. Indeed we know that as in 
Zurich, so in Ulm, the civil authorities are hostile to 
our wo^, and sooner or later, we may be sure they 
will show what spirit dominates them.” 

Stubner’s letter has awakened far different thoughts 
in my mind,” said William. It had not occurred to 


DAEKENING SHADOWS 


169 


me that we are in any danger here. Indeed, when you 
came in I was pondering questions concerning our duty 
with reference to the brethren in Switzerland, who now 
more than ever need counsel and help. Is it right for 
us to remain here in comparative security, while our 
friends yonder, at the risk of their lives, are contending 
for the truth which we as well as they hold dear ? 

Bertha was silent, but only for a moment. Then she 
replied : 

It was my heart, not my head, that prompted me 
to say what I did. You are right, William ; you are 
always right. I have never attempted to draw you back 
from any call of duty. I never will, be the cost what 
it may. The truth is as dear to me as to you, and I 
am ready to make any needful sacrifice in order to 
maintain it.’’ 

^^I know it, Bertha,” added William. It is of 
course possible that we shall find it to be in the line of 
duty to remain here; but if it should be otherwise, 
and there is need that we should return to Switzerland, 
I shall go with a stouter heart because of the noble 
words you have just spoken.” 

For a long time William and his wife were alone. 
At length the door opened and Edward entered. He 
had just come in with the baroness from an afternoon 
walk in the bracing wintry air, and his childlike prat- 
tle at once called away the thoughts of his father and 
mother from the serious problems Vv^hich Stubner’s let- 
ter had suggested. But it was only for a little while. 


170 


TKUE TO THE END 


The tidings from Zurich were communicated to the 
baroness, and later in the evening, to members of the 
churcli at an evening service in a private house. As 
Hermann read Stubner^s letter, Mantz’s dying testi- 
mony, and the heroic manner in which he accepted 
martyrdom, touched tlie hearts of the members of that 
little company. 

^^It was a glorious death,’^ said Hermann, as he 
folded the letter and placed it upon the table before 
him. ^^May we all have the spirit of the martyrs, 
which is the spirit of Christ.^^ 

No further tidings came from Zurich till one day in 
June, when Hermann, on returning to his home at the 
close of a busy afternoon, found a stranger awaiting 
him. Drawing from a side pocket a leather wallet, 
the man produced a letter from Stubner^s wife inform- 
ing him of the arrest and imprisonment of her husband 
on the charge of holding religious services in his house. 
There were no further particulars, and the messenger 
could add nothing to what the letter contained. But 
evidently here was an appeal for aid on the part of a 
sorrowing heart. 

Bertha was in an adjoining room with Edward, who 
was amusing himself Avith some playthings on the 
floor. Hermann handed to her the letter. She read 
it hastily. 

I have been expecting something of the kind,” she 
said. You must go. I was reading in my New 
Testament to-day that we are to bear one another’s 


DAEKENING SHADOWS 


171 


burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. You can be 
of assistance to the good wife if not to Stubner him- 
self.’’ 

The next day was the Sabbath. It had been de- 
cided that Hermann should leave on the morrow for 
Zurich. This was therefore the last opportunity he 
would have for meeting with the brethren in Ulm for 
weeks at least. Indeed he could not escape the thought 
that he might never address them again. And this 
thought made the day to him one of peculiar sacred- 
ness. His prayers were marked by more than usual 
tenderness of spirit. The sermon was on The Trial 
of our Faith,” the text being 1 Peter 1:7: ^^That the 
trial of your faith, being much more precious than 
of gold that perisheth, though it be tried witli fire, 
might be found unto praise and honor and glory at 
the appearing of Jesus Christ.” At the close of the 
sermon Hermann referred to the arrest and imprison- 
ment of Stubner, the latest trial that had come to the 
little flock at Zurich, and announced his purpose to 
proceed thither at once, in order to give aid and com- 
fort to the brethren there. Pray for me,” he said, 
that my faith fail not, and that in all the experiences 
through which I shall pass I may be strong in the 
Lord and in the power of his might.” 

He then gave notice of a baptism that evening in 
the waters of the Danube, just outside of the walls of 
the city. At the appointed hour, and in such a way as 
not to attract attention, the little company proceeded 


172 


TRUE TO THE END 


to the designated place. After a short service, which 
included a hymn, Scripture reading, and prayer, Her- 
mann baptized three young men, whom within the 
past few weeks it had been his privilege to lead to 
Christ. Then all returned to the usual place of meet- 
ing in the city, where the Lord’s Supper was ad- 
ministered. Graciously did the Lord reveal himself 
to this body of believers as they joined in this simple 
service. It was a sacred hour to all, and to no one 
more than to their leader as he faced a future all un- 
known. To petitions for his little flock and for his 
persecuted brethren he gave audible expression ; but 
he had other petitions which were not for mortal ears 
— petitions for the loved ones of his household from 
whom he was so soon to be separated, petitions in his 
own behalf, prompted by a feeling of his need of the 
divine guidance in what he could not but regard as the 
crisis of his life. 

As the people gathered around him at the close of 
the service, Hermann learned, as he had not before, 
how greatly he had endeared himself to the brethren 
in Ulm by his manifold labors among them. As they 
urged him to remain and continue his work, he said 
his answer must be the words of the Apostle Paul to 
the brethren at Cesarea, What mean ye to weep and 
to break mine heart ? ” and he added, I do not know 
what this call means, but I am confident that God does, 
and in his name and in his strength I cannot but go 
forward. Let us accept his will, and in the clear light 


DARKENING SHADOWS 


173 


of the world to come, if not here, we may be sure we 
shall understand what in infinite wisdom is now un- 
revealed/’ 

In the morning, at an early hour, Hermann's horse 
was brought to the door, and he set out at once for Zurich. 
Bertha showed a brave and steadfast heart to the last ; 
but when she could no longer follow her husband with 
her eyes as he disappeared at a turn in the street, she 
sank back into a chair and gave herself up to unre- 
strained grief. Hurriedly leaving the window where 
he had watched his father’s departure, Edward softly 
climbed up into his mother’s lap. I will stay with 
you, mamma,” he said ; and as he spoke he wiped 
away the tears upon his mother’s cheeks, and kissed 
her again and again. Bertha folded the child to her 
breast, and looking down into his face she said. 

Thank you, darling, for reminding me that I am 
not left comfortless.” And as she spoke there came 
into her heart the memory of the words, And a little 
child shall lead them.” 


CHAPTER Xyil 


ON THE HEIGHTS 



ILLIAM HERMANN’S journey was an nn- 


» ^ eventful one, and at the close of the second day 
he found himself approaching Zurich. At one point 
in the road he caught a glimpse of the castle, which 
even now he regarded as his home, although its ancient 
walls no longer sheltered his loved ones ; and a little 
later the towers of the great cathedral came into view. 
What memories of by-gone days crowded upon his 
mind ! Scenes of his childhood again flitted before 
him — scenes in which no shadow rested upon his glad- 
some way ; scenes also of his later days, bringing 
before him eventful periods in his history, some of 
which thrilled his heart with emotions of thankfulness 
and gratitude to God, while others, connected with 
Zwingli and his workj brought him back to the occa- 
sion of the journey that had led him hither. Under 
the influence of the thoughts thus awakened he drew in 
the reins he held in his hand, and as the horse stopped 
he poured out his soul in prayer for divine guidance 
and help. Then, with the words of a hymn upon his 
lips, he renewed his journey, and soon came to one of 
the gates of Zurich. 


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ON THE HEIGHTS 


175 


As the traveler passed through the gateway, and 
rode down the street into the city, he was met at length 
by a throng of people moving toward him. Turning 
into a side street to avoid the crowd, he halted in order 
to ascertain the meaning of this tumultuous movement. 
A glance revealed the fact that some fellows of the 
baser sort, following a guard with a prisoner in charge, 
were filling the air with their derisive taunts. The 
prisoner gave no heed to the abuse of the rabble. His 
manly face was directed forward and upward, and as 
he came near, Hermann saw that the prisoner was 
Stubner, who evidently was on his w-ay from the 
council hall to the AYellenberg, w^hich was not far 
distant. 

He has had his trial,’^ said Hermann, to himself, 
and these noisy shouts are only the echo of the sen- 
tence that has been pronounced.’^ 

He made no inquiries, however, but when the crowed 
had passed he continued his way, and soon came to 
Stubner’s house. A servant at the gate recognized him 
as he dismounted. 

Is Frau Stubner at home ? ” 

She is, sir,” replied the servant. She returned 
only a few moments ago. Walk in. I will take care 
of your horse.” 

Opening the gate Hermann passed along the garden 
walk to the house. The door was open, and Frau 
Stubner was in the hall. As she heard footsteps ap- 
proaching she turned, and with a look of surprise she 


176 


TRUE TO THE END 


hastened to the door with extended hand, as she ex- 
claimed in a subdued tone : 

^^They have just taken him to prison/' 

I know it," said Hermann. I saw him on his 
way thither as I entered the city. He did not see me, 
nor did I deem it wise to attract his attention in any 
way ; but I know now how one looks who counts it a 
privilege to suffer in his Master's cause." 

It was so throughout the trial," added Frau 
Stubner. have just come from the council hall 
where the trial was held. I was not allowed to see 
my husband after his arrest, and only by a noteworthy 
chance, as it were, did I learn that the trial was to 
take place this afternoon. I went to the council hall 
a little before the appointed hour. None of the officials 
would give me any information concerning the trial, 
and I was about to return to my home thinking I had 
been misinformed, when there was a sound of footsteps 
upon the staircase, and a guard conducting a prisoner 
appeared. It was my husband. I had a moment's 
conversation with him at the head of the stairs. ^ Be 
brave,' he said ; ^ you cannot help me so much in any 
other way.' The guard would not allow him to linger 
longer, and he was taken at once into the council hall. 
I followed with others who had crowded up the stair- 
case behind the guard. Soon the members of the 
council came in, also Zwingli, Myconius, Leo Jud, and 
other Zurich pastors, and the trial began. 

But I must not keep you standing here in the hall 


ON THE HEIGHTS 


177 


any longer/’ added Frau Stubner. You have had a 
long, wearisome journey, and need rest and refresh- 
ment ; ” and she led the way to a cosy sitting room 
which opened into the hall. Supper will soon be 
ready,” she continued, ^^and I will finish my story 
then.” 

At the supper table Hermann listened with the 
deepest interest to Frau Stubner’s narration of what 
happened during the trial. ‘^The accusation,” she 
said, was a somewhat lengthy one, but in substance 
it amounted to this, that Stubner had denied the au- 
thority of the magistrates.” Referring to the wit- 
nesses who were brought forward to substantiate this 
charge, Frau Stubner asked : 

‘^Do you remember young Walther, who was ac- 
customed to attend our meetings ? ” 

^^Very well,” replied Hermann. He was almost 
always present, and manifested an enthusiastic interest 
in all our work.” 

^^Yes,” said Frau Stubner, ^^but though with us, 
he was not of us, it appears. He was in the employ 
of the council, and attended our meetings for the pur- 
pose of obtaining information concerning the brethren. 
In his testimony, which was not unlike that of some 
of the other witnesses, he recalled a remark of my 
husband concerning the execution of Mantz, which, as 
he gave it, was a denial of the authority of the magis- 
trates. ^It is enough,’ exclaimed the burgomaster; 
^ we waste our time in prolonging this hearing.’ My 
M 


178 


TRUE TO THE END 


husband was at once upon his feet. ‘ It is not enough/ 
he said. ^ The authority of the magistrates I have 
never denied. What I said had reference to the right- 
fulness of the execution of Mantz. The office of the 
civil magistrate I respect. The Scriptures enjoin 
obedience to the powers that be, which are ordained of 
God.’ 

^‘The burgomaster made no reply/’ added Frau 
Stubner; ^‘but while my husband was speaking he 
ordered the guards to have the hall cleared, and the 
members of the council were left alone. When the 
doors of the hall were reopened, the burgomaster an- 
nounced the decision of the council. ‘ The prisoner,’ 
he said, ^ is guilty, and it is ordered that he be re- 
manded to the Wellenberg, and kept on bread and 
water two months.’ ” 

But what said Zwingli to all this ? ” asked Her- 
mann. “ Had he no part in the proceedings ? ” 

None whatever,” replied Frau Stubner. ^^He ap- 
peared ill at ease, and remained silent throughout, as 
did the other preachers also.” 

do not understand it,” exclaimed her guest. 

How could these men thus stifle their sense of 
justice?” 

‘^No one can tell,” said she. was indignant 
when I heard the sentence pronounced. There is not 
in Zurich a citizen whose regard for law, and the 
officers of the law, exceeds that of my husband. I 
endeavored to have an interview with the burgomaster 


ON THE HEIGHTS 


179 


and Zwingli, but both had left the hall before I could 
reach them, the crowd was so great.’’ 

It was evident that nothing could be done in Stub- 
ner’s behalf, at least for the present. After the lapse 
of several weeks an appeal to the council, skillfully 
framed and based on the prisoner’s previous good 
record, might possibly secure his release. Hermann said 
he would consult with some of the Zurich brethren as 
to the course that should be pursued. 

The opportunity for such a consultation, however, 
did not occur. Late in the evening a stranger was 
announced. Evidently he was unaware of Stubner’s 
trial and imprisonment, as he asked for him. Frau 
Stubner met the stranger in the hall, and learned that 
he was a member of the Hinwyl Church, and had 
just reached the city. The magistrates in the Griin- 
ingen district,” he said, had received instructions from 
the Zurich Council to exercise increased activity in their 
work of extirpating the Baptists, with the added warn- 
ing that if they proved unfaithful to these instructions, 
they themselves would be punished.” 

A wild hunt had followed. Many of the members 
of the Hinwyl Church had fled to a fastness in the 
mountains, where they were besieged by a band of 
officials under the leadership of George Berger, the 
bailiff of the Griiningen district. The brethren were 
in need of assistance, for while on account of their 
position they could at present defend themselves suc- 
cessfully, the number of their opponents was constantly 


180 


TRUE TO THE END 


increasing, and they would at length be able to sur- 
round them and so cut oif their supplies. 

At the request of the brethren, accordingly,’^ 
added the stranger, I have made my way to Zurich 
in the hope that help may be secured. My name is 
Max Bosshart.” 

Frau Stubner, who a few months before had con- 
sulted with her husband concerning the work in the 
Griiningen district, recognized in Bosshart one of the 
Hinwyl brethren ; and leading the way into the sitting 
room she introduced him to Hermann. 

There is no need of an introduction,” said Her- 
mann. Bosshart must remember me. I certainly 
remember him.” 

This is an agreeable surprise,” added Bosshart, as 
he grasped Hermann’s hand, warmly. You were in 
Ulm when I last heard concerning you.” 

Briefly Hermann narrated to Bosshart the facts con- 
nected with his visit to Zurich, and then he asked ; 

But what brings you here at this time ? ” 

Bosshart repeated the statement he had made to 
Frau Stubner concerning the Hinwyl brethren, and 
his hearer’s interest was at once enlisted. 

I can do little, possibly nothing, in Stubner’s be- 
half,” he said. I do not know that I can do any- 
thing for the relief of the Hinwyl brethren. But I 
am here for service. Let us consider the matter.” 

One of the Zurich brethren was summoned, and 
after full consideration of all the facts, Hermann and 


ON THE HEIGHTS 


181 


Bosshart decided to make their way at once to Wyti- 
kon and Zollikon and consult with the brethren there. 
A sleepy watchman at the city gate gave them only a 
hasty glance as in the early morning they rode out of 
Zurich and took the road to Wytikon. There and at 
Zollikon it was necessary only to state the facts with 
reference to the situation of the members of the Hin- 
wyl Church to secure prompt responses to the call for 
aidj and a score and more of hardy mountaineers were 
ready to be led at once to the relief of their oppressed 
brethren. 

Hans Hottinger, of Wytikon, was made their leader. 
Max Bosshart acted as guide. On foot, and by a route 
little frequented, the members of the party made their 
way to a narrow valley not far from the position occu- 
pied by their brethren. It was soon ascertained from 
some of the shepherds of the valley that Berger had 
not yet attempted an assault upon the fortress to which 
the Hinwyl brethren had retreated, but had contented 
himself with streno^thenin^: his force for an overwhelm- 
ing blow. The way to the heights, therefore, was still 
open, and guided by Bosshart the column securely 
threaded its way through ravines, across mountain 
torrents, and along the sides of steep precipices, until 
at length the summit was reached. As the brethren 
hastened forward to meet Hottinger and his men, a 
shout of joy burst from their lips, and all joined in 
a hymn of thanksgiving and praise. 

Berger, however, did not need to ask the meaning 


182 


TRUE TO THE END 


of this outburst upon the heights. By one of the 
shepherds he had already been informed concerning 
the reinforcement of the brethren, and he knew that 
farther delay would give them added opportunity for 
making themselves even more secure. Accordingly he 
decided’ to defer his attack no longer, and his men 
were ordered to advance. The movement was at once 
discovered. On the heights all possible preparations 
for the defense had been made. Large stones in great 
number had been collected and placed in such a way 
that they could be rolled down the mountain sides with 
the most destructive effect. In other ways, also, those 
holding the heights were abundantly able to maintain 
their position against a much larger force than Berger 
had at his command. 

Let nothing be done until we have given our op- 
ponents ample warning,’^ said Hermann to his breth- 
ren as they were making their final preparations for 
resisting the impending attack ; and he offered to hold 
a parley with Berger to induce him if possible to with- 
draw, and so spare the lives of his men. The offer 
was accepted and Hermann made his way down the 
mountain to a point from which he could easily address 
the bailiff. 

As Berger, leading his men up the steep acclivity, 
came within hailing distance, Hermann ordered the 
bailiff to halt. In firm but not defiant tones he said : 

These men on the heights above have violated no 
law of our beloved fatherland, and they only ask that 


ON THE HEIGHTS 


183 


they be allowed to serve God according to the dictates 
of their own consciences. You have driven them from 
their homes. You have compelled them either to yield 
their most sacred rights or to violate their most sacred 
obligations. They will do neither. As one who loves 
his country and wishes well to all his fellow country- 
men, I beg you for your own sake and the sake of 
your men to advance no farther.’^ 

^ AYe have no words with rebels,” thundered Ber- 
ger, and he gave orders for his men to advance. 
Hermann had scarcely turned to retrace his steps to 
the heights al30ve, when a stone thrown by a sling in 
the hands of one of Berger’s men struck him upon the 
head and he fell upon his side, while another of the 
same party who unseen had reached a point not far 
away, rushed forward and pierced him with his spear. 
Hottinger; and several of his associates who saw Her- 
mann fall, sprang down the steep slope of the mountain 
to his side. The spearsman meanwhile, however, had 
made good his escape ; and lifting the body of Her- 
mann they hurriedly but tenderly bore him back to 
their lines. 

Berger and his men also hurriedly followed, but as 
they approached the summit down upon them thun- 
dered volley after volley of stones, rendering farther 
advance impossible. Some were able to find shelter 
behind a favoring boulder here and there, but to others 
there was no escape from these destructive missiles, 
and the wounded and the dying filled the air with their 


184 


TRUE TO THE END 


cries. Berger, who w^as uninjured, saw that further 
efforts would be fruitless and gave orders to retreat. 

Meanwhile, at the summit of the mountain, William 
Hermann’s life-blood was fast ebbing away. Hottinger 
and others gathered around him, eager to render any 
assistance possible. Taking from his pocket his New 
Testament, the dying man wrote upon the fly-leaf a 
brief note to Bertha. 

^^Take it to my wife in Ulm,” he said, as he 
handed the book to Hottinger. I have not strength 
to write all that I would like to say. You can tell 
her how the end came and that my last thoughts were 
of her and Edward and my mother and the dear people 
in Ulm, whom it w^as my privilege to serve in the 
gospel. The Lord bless them all abundantly ! The 
Lord bless my dear fatherland ! ” 

He could say no more. His eyes rested lovingly 
upon his friends around him for a brief space after he 
had ceased to speak, and then they were gently closed 
in death as when one sleeps when the day is over. 

Berger’s wounded, deserted by their comrades, re- 
ceived such attention as Hottinger and his associates 
could give, and were then left with their dead, in the 
care of the shepherds in the valley below. 

There William Hermann was hurriedly buried, and 
then those who had laid him to rest made their way to 
remoter mountain fastnesses and later to Moravia, 
where, as they had learned, an asylum had been found 
for those who as exiles sought religious freedom. 


CHAPTER Xyill 


CAST DOWN BUT NOT DESTROYED 

H OTTINGER made his way to Ulm by a some- 
what unusual route in order that he might not 
fall into the hands of the Zurich authorities. Every- 
where, however, he found brethren who rendered him 
all possible assistance. He was equally fortunate on 
his arrival in Ulm, for as he entered the city one of 
the brethren there, of whom he inquired the way, con- 
ducted him to Hermann’s house. 

When he reached the house, however, Bertha was 
not at home. A sick mother in the neighborhood had 
awakened her sympathy and aid, and she had spent the 
afternoon at her bedside. But at length she returned, 
and Hottinger, in words which he afterward said were 
given to him in that hour, made known to her the sad 
tidings which he brought. Sinking into a chair in an 
agony of grief as if a sword had pierced her heart, she 
bowed her head in silence and covered her face with 
her hands. But it was only for a little while. 

Excuse me,” she said, as at length she raised her 
head, the blow is not an unexpected one ; but it is 
none the less keenly felt on that account.” 

^^You will recognize this,” said Hottinger, as he 

185 


186 


TRUE TO THE END 


took from liis pocket the Greek Testament. Your 
husband wished me to place it in your hands/^ and he 
called her attention to the note which it contained. 

As she took the familiar volume her voice faltered 
as she said, I cannot now sufficiently thank you for 
this service. I must leave you for a little while. Later 
I shall wish to have added particulars. The brethren, 
I am sure, will wish to see you,^^ and she directed Het- 
tinger to the house of a neighbor, a dear friend of her 
husband and a member of the Ulm Church. 

To him Hottinger told the story of Hermann’s 
death, and the sad news was soon carried to all the 
brethren in the city. A meeting was at once called, 
and to the place where the members of the church wxre 
wont to assemble, and where Hermann so often had 
led their devotions, they hurriedly made their way. 
It was a tearful assembly. In little groups the mem- 
bers of the church talked with each other, sorrowing 
most of all that they should see the face of their be- 
loved pastor no more. The meeting at length w^as. 
opened with the reading of an appropriate selection of 
Scripture and prayer. Then Hottinger narrated the 
circumstances attending Hermann’s death. As he 
closed, one of the officers of the church, William Gross- 
man, arose : 

In an hour like this,” he said, I am comforted 
only by my unshaken faith in the sovereignty of God. 
As w^e think of the greatness of our loss, and cry out, 
‘ All thy waves and thy billows are gone over me,’ we 


CAST DOWN, BUT NOT DESTROYED 187 

ask with faltering tones ^ Why ? ’ and there is no an- 
swer. Hermann had lifted the cause in Ulm to a place 
it had not reached before. Indeed his noble qualities 
of mind and heart had secured for him the esteem and 
confidence of many outside of our circle who honored 
him for his work^s sake. It would seem as if such a 
man could not be spared in these days when the work 
is so great and the workers are so few. But God still 
sits upon the throne of the universe. All events are 
in his plan. Our times even are in his hand. And so 
I rest, and let us all rest, in the sovereignty of God.^^ 
The right note had been struck. Others followed 
in the same line of thought, and the meeting closed 
with a hymn of praise written by John Leopold, a 
preacher in Augsburg, who later sealed his confession 
of faith with his blood : 

My God, thee will I praise 
When my last hour shall come, 

And then my voice I’ll raise 
Within the heavenly home. 

0 Lord, most merciful and kind. 

Now strengthen my weak faith, 

And give me peace of mind. 

To thee in very deed 
My spirit I commend ; 

Help me in all my need. 

And let me ne’ er offend. 

Give to my flesh thy strength, 

That I with thee may stand 
A conqueror at length. 


188 


TRUE TO THE END 


On his return from the meeting Ilottinger found 
Bertha awaiting him. She had not expected to see 
him again until the morrow, but the baroness to whom 
in her distress she had gone with tlie sad tidings — 
the little Edward was not yet old enough to under- 
stand his loss — was desirous of learning as soon and 
as fully as possible the circumstances attending her son’s 
death, and she now joined Bertha and Hottinger, while 
the latter, in answer to questions, communicated the 
various facts which he had obtained as an eye-witness. 

On the following day Hottinger set out on his re- 
turn to Switzerland. At a meeting of the brethren in 
Wytikon, not long after his arrival, he was arrested, 
taken to Zurich and thrown into prison, where he at 
length contracted a fever and died. 

Bertha continued to make Ulm her home. There 
more than anywhere else, for a while at least, she 
could have the consciousness of the influence of her 
husband’s life as she devoted herself to the Christian 
work in which she had become so deeply interested. 
It was her hope too, that Edward would one day take 
his father’s place in the great movement in which Her- 
mann had laid down his life, and for the present she 
could direct his studies there as well as in most places. 

But meanwhile the hand of the persecutor was not 
stayed. Again and again were the brethren called to 
mourn the loss of a trusted leader, until at length all 
of those who had been conspicuous in the movement 
had died or been put to death. 


CAST DOWN, BUT NOT DESTROYED 189 

May 21, 1527, only a little while before Hermann’s 
death, Michael Sattler, at Rottenburg on the Neckar, 
was subjected to cruel torture and then burned. One 
of his hymns had the ring of the true martyr spirit ; 

If one illtreat you for my sake, 

And daily you to shame awake, 

Be joyful, your reward is nigh. 

Prepared for you in heaven on high. 

Of such a man fear not the will. 

The body only he can kill ; 

A faithful God the rather fear. 

Who can condemn to darkness drear. 

O Christ, help thou thy little flock. 

Who faithful follow thee, their Bock. 

By thine own death redeem each one, 

And crown the work that thou hast done. 

Near the close of 1527 Hubmeier was arrested 
and delivered into the hands of Austria. During his 
imprisonment in a castle in Vienna, Dr. Faber and 
others endeavored to persuade him to return to the 
Roman Catholic Church. But he was immovable and 
at length he was condemned to death. He was burned 
at the stake March 10, 1528, and three days later his 
faithful wife, who had accompanied him to Vienna, 
was taken to the bridge over the Danube and thrown 
into the river with a heavy stone attached to her neck. 

Jacob Falk and Henry Riemer who had aided in 
the work in the Griiningen District and would not 


190 


TEUE TO THE END 


give the names of those whom they had baptized, 
were drowned at Ziirich by order of the council, Sept. 
5, 1528. 

Ludwig Hetzer, who had been associated with John 
Denck in the translation of the Scriptures, was be- 
headed at Constance, Feb. 5, 1529. more noble 
or more manful death, wrote John Zwick, the Zwing- 
lian pastor, ^^was never seen in Constance. . . We 
were all with him to the end, and may the Almighty, 
the eternal God, grant to me and to the servants of his 
word, like mercy in the day when he shall call us 
home.’’ 

George Blaurock was in the canton of Appenzell 
early in 1529. April 16 the council addressed a letter 
to the Council of Zurich, requesting information con- 
cerning him. Not long after, it is supposed, he was 
banished from the canton and burned at the stake at 
Clausen in the Tyrol, exemplifying the truth of one of 
the stanzas of a hymn of his own in which he says, 
‘^Blessed are those in all tribulation who cling to 
Christ to the end.” And he adds. 

As he himself our sufferings bore 
When hanging on the accursed tree, 

So there is suffering still in store, 

Oh pious heart, for you and me. 

In the following year Wolfgang Ulimann, who had 
united his fortunes with the Baptists of Moravia, re- 
turned to his native land in order to induce his perse- 


CAST DOWN, BUT NOT DESTROYED 


191 


cuted countrymen to leave their mountain homes and 
to make them new homes in a land of religious liberty. 
He was successful, and was returning to Moravia with 
a company of the brethren when he was arrested by 
the cantonal authorities and afterward beheaded. 

Notwithstanding the loss of its leaders, the Ana- 
baptist movement was ■ not a failure even in Switzer- 
land, but achieved important results. In Germany, 
aside from the Munster affair, whose excesses the 
brethren everywhere condemned, it gave expression to 
the religious consciousness of its members, advocated 
the principles of civil and religious liberty, and ex- 
tending into Holland, at length reached England and 
later the English colonies in the New World. 

Bertha remained in Ulm until 1540. Meanwhile 
the baroness had died, and as Bertha was considering 
what she should do to give Edward better advantages 
for securing an education than were open to him in Ulm, 
she received a visit from one of her brothers, now 
living in Holland, who gave her an interesting account 
of the work of Menno Simons and the spread of Ana- 
baptist principles throughout the Low Countries. He 
himself had become a disciple of Menno, and he urged 
his sister to return to Holland with him. This she 
did, and her son, having at length received the best 
training the Dutch schools afforded, became pastor of 
a Mennonite church. 

In 1567, when Philip II. of Spain sent the infamous 
Alva into the Low Countries, Edward and his mother, 


192 


TRUE TO THE END 


with thousands of refugees, made their way to England. 
There, after his mother’s death, Edward married, and 
his descendants were among those who in the early 
part of the following century made their way with 
Browne and others to Holland, members of the Pil- 
grim band who, after eleven years of training in a land 
of liberty, crossed the ocean in tiie Mayflower,” full 
of charity, kindliness, and toleration, their minds 
broadened by experience in a land where religion was 
free for all men.” 


THE END 





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